The bill, known as the Sound of Freedom Act, amends Section 13A-6-152 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the punishment for certain human trafficking offenses. Key insertions include the requirement that if a defendant is nineteen years old or older and there is a minor trafficking victim, the court must impose a minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Additionally, the bill specifies that a person commits human trafficking in the first degree if they knowingly attempt to give monetary consideration or anything of value to engage in sexual conduct with a minor or someone they believe to be a minor. The bill also clarifies that a corporation can be prosecuted for human trafficking if an agent acts within the scope of their employment.

The bill removes the defense of reasonable mistake of age for defendants, meaning that they can be held liable regardless of their knowledge of a victim's age. Furthermore, it establishes that any person who obstructs or interferes with the enforcement of this section will be guilty of a Class A felony. Although the bill may require new or increased local expenditures, it is exempt from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Alabama Constitution because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-6-152
Engrossed: 13A-6-152
Enrolled: 13A-6-152, 13A-6-152