The Sound of Freedom Act amends Section 13A-6-152 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the penalties for human trafficking offenses, particularly when minors are involved. The bill introduces new legal language that specifies that a person can be charged with 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. Additionally, it establishes that in cases where the defendant is 19 years old or older and there is a minor trafficking victim, the court is mandated to impose a minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

The bill also clarifies that a corporation can be prosecuted for human trafficking if an agent acts within the scope of their employment, and it criminalizes any obstruction of enforcement of this section as a Class A felony. Notably, the bill states that while it 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