AR SB282

Amends Arkansas Code § 16-118-109 to allow human trafficking victims to bring civil actions against persons or entities who knew or should have known about the trafficking and caused, were responsible for, or benefitted financially from it.

Courts may award actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and other appropriate relief; prevailing plaintiffs receive attorney's fees and costs.

Provides for treble damages (3 times actual damages) when a defendant's acts were willful and malicious.

Exempts human trafficking civil actions from comparative fault provisions under § 16-64-122, preventing victims' fault from being apportioned against them.

Establishes flexible statute of limitations that does not begin running until the plaintiff discovers the trafficking incident and the defendant's involvement; tolls the limitation period if the plaintiff is a minor, under disability, subject to threats or fraud by the defendant, or induced to delay filing by defendant conduct.