MS HB1413

Establishes that a trafficked child is legally defined as an abused child under Mississippi law, regardless of the trafficker's relationship to the child.

Makes promoting or procuring prostitution of a child under 18 years of age a registrable sex offense requiring offenders to register as sex offenders.

Adds "coercion" to the human trafficking statute and expands the definition of coercion to include nine specific methods such as threats of bodily harm, document confiscation, substance provision, financial control, and blackmail.

Requires mandatory reporting to the Department of Human Services and Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator when there is reasonable suspicion that a minor under 18 is trafficked; provides that trafficked minors cannot be held criminally liable for their trafficking victimization.

Revises definitions in the Mississippi Human Trafficking Act including "forced labor or services," "serious harm," and "pecuniary damages" to clarify victim compensation for medical services, counseling, housing, transportation, childcare, and other expenses.