HB 2116 Summary

• Creates civil liability for persons who engage in human trafficking or intentionally benefit from participating in a trafficking venture, allowing victims to sue for damages.

• Victims who prevail may recover actual damages (including mental anguish), court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and may also recover exemplary damages.

• Acquittal or lack of criminal prosecution is not a defense to civil liability, and civil liability exists independently of criminal conviction.

• Shareholders, members, or partners of legal entities can be held jointly and severally liable if they caused the entity to traffic persons for their direct personal benefit.

• Applies joint and several liability among all defendants found responsible for trafficking, making each liable for the full amount of damages.