CT HB05502

Expands the Trafficking in Persons Council membership from 18 to 21 members, effective July 1, 2020, adding representatives for children's advocacy centers, a judge, a state's attorney, and a public defender.

Permits compelled testimony in delinquency proceedings and investigatory grand jury proceedings for serious crimes including narcotics, arson, bribery, gambling, corruption, and felonies punishable by more than five years imprisonment, effective October 1, 2020.

Establishes an affirmative defense to trafficking in persons charges for individuals under 18 whose participation in the offense resulted from being a victim of trafficking by another person, and redefines "sex trafficking" to include exchange for "anything of value" rather than just "a fee."

Prohibits hotels, motels, and similar lodgings from offering hourly rates for sleeping accommodations and requires establishment of customer identity with government-issued photo identification before providing any sleeping accommodation, effective October 1, 2020.

Expands vacatur relief to allow defendants convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies (Class C, D, E, or unclassified carrying up to 10 years imprisonment) to vacate convictions if they prove they were trafficking victims at the time of offense.