If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding sentencing for individuals convicted of child sex trafficking. Under the current law, individuals convicted of a class 2 felony for child sex trafficking are sentenced to natural life imprisonment without the possibility of release if they are eighteen years of age or older at the time of the offense. The bill introduces a significant change by stipulating that minors (those under eighteen) convicted of the same offense would not be subject to a natural life sentence. This amendment aims to align with the rights of juveniles as protected under the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that clarify the legislative intent to preserve juvenile rights and establishes that the amendments to section 13-720 will only take effect if approved by a three-fourths majority in both houses of the legislature. This ensures that the changes are not only legally sound but also reflect a consensus among lawmakers regarding the treatment of juvenile defendants in cases of child sex trafficking.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-720
House Engrossed Version: 13-720