CS/CS/HB 7141 - Human Trafficking Summary

• Creates screening and assessment instruments for identifying sexually exploited children and determining appropriate placements in safe houses or safe foster homes, with criteria considering risk of running away, trauma levels, substance abuse, and other factors.

• Establishes certification requirements for safe houses and safe foster homes, including strength-based and trauma-informed care approaches, 24-hour awake staff for safe houses, security measures, and minimum services such as counseling, behavioral health care, education, and life skills training.

• Requires specialized intensive training for Department of Children and Families staff, community-based care lead agencies, and juvenile probation staff who handle sexually exploited children cases.

• Creates the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking within the Department of Legal Affairs with representatives from multiple state agencies and private sector experts to coordinate responses and develop recommendations for victim services.

• Appropriates $4.8 million in recurring general revenue funds for fiscal year 2014-2015 to implement the bill's provisions and authorizes up to $3 million in budget transfers, plus establishes three full-time equivalent positions with a salary rate of $116,427.