HB 1437 Summary

• Creates new penalty for sex trafficking convictions: imprisonment up to 20 years without possibility of suspension, probation, or parole, plus mandatory fine of $200,000 to $500,000.

• Exempts trafficking victims from criminal liability for prostitution offenses and street prostitution violations if they report being trafficked to law enforcement.

• Eliminates consent as a legal defense for sex trafficking charges and establishes strict liability for sex trafficking involving minors regardless of defendant's knowledge of victim's age.

• Clarifies that "sexual conduct" consent is not a defense to sex trafficking prosecution and adds definitions for "fraud," "minor," "sexual conduct," and "threat" to sex trafficking statute.

• Effective date: June 30, 3000.