HB 493 Summary: Trafficking in Persons

• Creates human trafficking offense (Section 2905.32): Makes it illegal to knowingly recruit, lure, entice, solicit, isolate, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain another person knowing they will be subjected to involuntary servitude or compelled to engage in sexual activity for hire, obscene performances, or production of sexually explicit material; classified as felony of second degree.

• Establishes mandatory sentencing and restitution: Offenders convicted under human trafficking violations or related offenses (kidnapping, abduction, compelling prostitution) with a human trafficking specification must serve mandatory prison terms ranging from 3-10 years depending on offense degree, with no sentence reduction allowed.

• Mandates data collection and training: Requires the Attorney General to publish annual statistics on human trafficking violations and provide peace officer training on identifying violations, victim protection, and victim rights; requires police training academies to include human trafficking instruction.

• Creates civil liability and victim protections (Section 2307.54): Trafficking victims can sue offenders for compensatory damages, punitive damages, court costs, and attorney fees; establishes procedures for reuniting minor victims with family and providing specialized healthcare.

• Public awareness and poster requirements (Sections 4113.72, 5515.071): Requires specific establishments (hotels, truck stops, schools, bars, massage parlors) and highway rest areas to display the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline poster in multiple languages.