The proposed bill aims to enhance the legal protections for victims of human trafficking in Arkansas by amending existing laws. It establishes specific rights for these victims and mandates that a no-contact order be issued in cases involving human trafficking offenses. The bill also expands the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, allowing victims of human trafficking to seal their criminal records more easily, particularly if their convictions were a direct result of their victimization.

Key amendments include the definition of a "human trafficking offense" under the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, and the requirement for courts to issue no-contact orders when a defendant is charged with such offenses. Additionally, the bill allows victims to petition to seal their criminal records if they were victims of trafficking at the time of their offense, with provisions for minors and adults. The legislation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the circumstances under which these offenses occurred, thereby providing a pathway for victims to reclaim their lives without the stigma of a criminal record.

Statutes affected:
SB 429: 16-85-714(b)
Act 665: 16-85-714(b)