CT HB07399

Expands the Human Trafficking Task Force council membership to include additional representatives from victim advocacy organizations, law enforcement, and judiciary, effective July 1, 2019.

Creates new legal protections for child trafficking victims by establishing a "child anti-trafficking counselor" privilege similar to existing domestic violence and sexual assault counselor privileges, with confidentiality protections in civil and criminal proceedings, effective October 1, 2019.

Adds child anti-trafficking counselors to mandatory reporter requirements for abuse and neglect, and exempts them from professional counselor licensing requirements, effective October 1, 2019.

Establishes an affirmative defense for minors charged with crimes if their participation resulted from being a victim of human trafficking or sex trafficking under federal law, effective October 1, 2019.

Expands the definition of "commercial sexual abuse of a minor" to include online or internet-based sexual conduct with minors paid for by another person, with Class A felony penalties if the minor is under 15 years old, effective October 1, 2019.