HB 7049 - Human Trafficking Summary

• Expands human trafficking prosecutions: Adds Chapter 787 violations to the Office of Statewide Prosecution's jurisdiction and statewide grand jury authority for multi-circuit offenses.

• Strengthens definitions and penalties: Revises human trafficking definitions to cover "forced labor or services" and creates enhanced felony penalties ranging from second-degree to life sentences depending on circumstances (e.g., child victims under age 15 receive life sentences).

• Identifies massage establishment workers: Requires massage establishment employees and operators to present valid government identification upon law enforcement request and maintain documentation of workers to combat trafficking operations.

• Enhances sexual predator registration: Adds multiple human trafficking offenses to sexual predator and sexual offender qualifying offenses, requiring registration and community notification.

• Increases criminal penalties: Raises penalty for human smuggling from misdemeanor to third-degree felony and adds property forfeiture provisions for human trafficking violations.