MN HF1140

Trafficking victims may bring civil actions against persons who violate labor and sex trafficking statutes (sections 609.282, 609.283, 609.322, 609.324) and recover actual damages or statutory minimum damages ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 per year depending on trafficking duration.

Prevailing trafficking victims are also entitled to punitive damages, costs, disbursements, litigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees; no criminal action must be filed or pending for civil damages to be awarded.

Civil actions for trafficking damages must be commenced within six years of the cause of action arising or within one year from when the victim is freed from traffickers, whichever is later.

County or city attorneys and the attorney general may sue to enjoin a public nuisance when two or more separate trafficking incidents occur within a 12-month period, and courts may issue orders prohibiting trafficking activity and imposing reasonable requirements including reimbursement for intervention or health services.

Courts may cancel leases and impose additional restrictions on properties used for trafficking on three or more occasions within 12 months; these provisions are effective August 1, 2013.