The bill aims to provide legal protections for minor defendants who are also victims of human trafficking by amending the Human Trafficking Act of 2013. It establishes a legislative intent for courts to consider a minor's status as a trafficking victim before transferring their case to the criminal division or imposing a sentence. The bill introduces an affirmative defense for minors under 18 charged with nonviolent criminal offenses, allowing them to argue that their actions were a direct result of being victims of trafficking. Additionally, it expands the definition of trafficking offenses and clarifies that a lack of knowledge regarding a victim's age is not a defense for certain trafficking-related charges.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that courts consider various factors, including a juvenile's exposure to adverse childhood experiences and their status as a trafficking victim, when determining sentencing or the transfer of delinquency matters. It also emphasizes the differences between juvenile and adult offenders, recognizing the diminished culpability of juveniles. The amendments include specific insertions to enhance the legal framework surrounding the treatment of minors in the justice system, ensuring that their victimization is taken into account during legal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB620 Original - 4-3-2025 12:55 PM: 5-2-210, 5-18-103, 5-37-201, 5-37-216, 5-70-101, 5-68-305, 5-64-401, 5-18-103(a), 9-27-318
Old version SB620 V2 - 4-14-2025 02:29 PM: 5-2-210, 16-90-1101, 5-18-103, 04-14-2025, 5-37-201, 5-37-216, 5-70-101, 5-68-305, 5-64-401, 5-18-103(a), 9-27-318(g), 9-27-503(c)
SB 620: 5-2-210, 5-18-103, 5-37-201, 5-37-216, 5-70-101, 5-68-305, 5-64-401, 5-18-103(a), 9-27-318
Act 1003: 5-2-210, 16-90-1101, 5-18-103, 04-14-2025, 5-37-201, 5-37-216, 5-70-101, 5-68-305, 5-64-401, 5-18-103(a), 9-27-318(g), 9-27-503(c)