IN SB0509

Raises the age threshold for promotion of human trafficking of a minor from 16 to 18 years old, expanding protections for minors under this statute effective July 1, 2013.

Adds new language requiring child exploitation performances or incidents that include sexual conduct to be prosecuted under the promotion of human trafficking statute for minors under 18.

Establishes an affirmative defense to promotion of human trafficking charges for minors aged 14-15 if the defendant is under 18 and less than 4 years older than the victim, with strict limitations including no use of force, weapons, or drugs.

Requires the affirmative defense claimant to have no prior sex offense convictions and the relationship to be dating or ongoing personal (not family-based).

Maintains Class B felony penalties for promotion of human trafficking of minors and Class A felony penalties for sexual trafficking of minors.