HB 5637 Summary

• Establishes a presumption that persons under 18 years old engaged in prostitution or related offenses are victims of human trafficking and were coerced, with prosecution required to prove otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Requires law enforcement officers encountering minors under 18 engaged in prostitution or related conduct to immediately report suspected human trafficking violations to the Department of Health and Human Services.

• Mandates the Department of Health and Human Services begin investigation of reported human trafficking within 24 hours and determine if the minor is dependent and in danger of substantial physical or psychological harm.

• Changes language from "shall" to "must" in provisions regarding prosecution's ability to overcome the presumption and state petitions for dependency findings, and modifies eligibility language for minors who fail to comply with court-ordered services.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.