HB 521 Summary

• Revises the definition of "coercion" in human trafficking law to include seven specific methods such as physical force, restraint, debt bondage, document confiscation, financial harm, fraud, and providing controlled substances or alcohol for exploitation purposes.

• Creates new criminal penalties for human trafficking involving adults, ranging from second-degree felonies for labor or services without coercion to first-degree felonies when coercion is used or when commercial sexual activity is involved.

• Establishes a felony of the second degree for owning, establishing, maintaining, or operating any place for prostitution, and increases penalties for facilitating or enabling persons to engage in prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.

• Amends provisions relating to massage therapist licensure and suspension requirements to reference updated statutory cross-references regarding prostitution-related offenses.

• Updates the Soliciting for Prostitution Public Database provisions to align with new statutory subsection numbering for offense criteria and removal timelines.

• Takes effect October 1, 2022.