The bill seeks to strengthen Arkansas's legal framework regarding human trafficking by introducing several significant amendments. It establishes a new subchapter for the forfeiture of assets used in human trafficking activities, detailing the types of property that can be seized, such as conveyances and money. The legislation modifies existing asset forfeiture laws by replacing the "Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund" with the "Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund," ensuring that fines collected from human trafficking and prostitution offenses are directed to this new fund. Additionally, the bill introduces the offense of harboring an endangered runaway child and outlines procedures for asset forfeiture, including the requirement for prosecuting attorneys to file complaints regarding seized property.

Moreover, the bill creates a Human Trafficking Operations Unit within the Division of Arkansas State Police, tasked with supporting investigations related to human trafficking. It establishes the position of Human Trafficking Coordinator to oversee the unit and promote public awareness while collecting data on human trafficking activities. The newly created Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund will provide essential services for victims, such as housing and legal assistance, and will be funded through various fees and fines. The bill also emphasizes accountability in managing seized property and repeals the existing provision for a State Task Force for the Prevention of Human Trafficking, indicating a shift in the state's approach to addressing these issues.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB442 Original - 3-12-2025 01:22 PM: 5-5-201(a), 5-5-202(b), 5-5-501(d), 5-18-103(d), 5-18-104(c), 5-18-106(c), 5-18-107(f), 5-70-102(e), 5-70-103, 5-18-103, 5-70-104(c), 5-70-105(c), 5-70-106(c), 5-70-107(e), 5-70-107, 12-19-101, 19-5-1261, 5-70-103(d), 5-70-102
Old version SB442 V2 - 4-1-2025 12:44 PM: 5-5-201(a), 5-5-202(b), 5-5-501(d), 5-18-103(d), 5-18-104(c), 5-18-106(c), 5-18-107(f), 5-70-102(e), 5-70-103, 5-18-103, 04-01-2025, 5-70-104(c), 5-70-105(c), 5-70-106(c), 5-70-107(e), 5-70-107, 12-19-101, 19-5-1252(b), 19-5-1261, 5-70-103(d), 5-70-102
SB 442: 5-5-201(a), 5-5-202(b), 5-5-501(d), 5-18-103(d), 5-18-104(c), 5-18-106(c), 5-18-107(f), 5-70-102(e), 5-70-103, 5-18-103, 5-70-104(c), 5-70-105(c), 5-70-106(c), 5-70-107(e), 5-70-107, 12-19-101, 19-5-1261, 5-70-103(d), 5-70-102