HI HB1902

Replaces "Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree" with a new offense of "Sex Trafficking" classified as a Class A felony and violent crime.

Requires prosecutors to prove only negligence (rather than knowledge) regarding the victim's age when the victim is a minor in sex trafficking cases.

Makes prostitution by minors (under 18) a violation subject to family court jurisdiction rather than criminal prosecution, and makes paying for sex a Class C felony if done in reckless disregard that the person is a trafficking victim.

Expands the Attorney General's Statewide Witness Program to include sex trafficking cases and adds sex trafficking to laws regarding property forfeiture, wiretap authorization, and civil liability for coercion.

Creates civil cause of action allowing trafficking victims to recover economic and noneconomic damages, exemplary damages, attorney's fees, and court costs from perpetrators.