This bill amends Louisiana's Revised Statutes to address offenses related to prostitution, with a particular emphasis on the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It introduces a new offense that criminalizes the solicitation or purchase of individuals under eighteen for commercial sexual activity, accompanied by significantly increased penalties for such offenses. Mandatory minimum sentences are established for offenders, especially when the victims are minors, ensuring that those convicted of soliciting minors face severe fines and imprisonment, with certain terms requiring that part of the sentence be served without the possibility of parole or probation.

Additionally, the bill enhances the legal framework surrounding human trafficking by clarifying the definition of "human trafficking-related offense" to encompass a broader range of crimes, including trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It modifies existing language regarding the purchase of commercial sexual activity and specifies that convictions for listed offenses include equivalent convictions from other jurisdictions, provided due process standards were met. The legislation also ensures that child victims of trafficking are referred to specialized services and are not prosecuted for offenses committed as a result of their victimization. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen protections for minors and impose harsher penalties on those involved in the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Statutes affected:
HB5 Original: 14:83(B)(1), 15:541(24)
HB5 Engrossed: 14:2(C)(1), 14:83(B)(1), 15:541(24)
HB5 Reengrossed: 14:3(A)(1), 14:2(C)(1), 14:83(B)(1), 14:1(B)(2), 14:2(B)(2), 14:84(B)(2), 14:85(B)(2), 14:86(B)(1), 14:2(B)(3), 14:104(B)(2), 14:105(B)(2), 14:282(B)(2), 15:1(A), 15:2(A), 15:541(24), 46:1844(W)(2), 15:541(25), 15:1352(A)(47)
HB5 Enrolled: 14:3(A)(1), 14:2(C)(1), 14:83(B)(1), 14:1(B)(2), 14:2(B)(2), 14:84(B)(2), 14:85(B)(2), 14:86(B)(1), 14:2(B)(3), 14:104(B)(2), 14:105(B)(2), 14:282(B)(2), 15:1(A), 15:541(24), 46:1844(W)(2)
HB5 Act : 14:3(A)(1), 14:2(C)(1), 14:83(B)(1), 14:1(B)(2), 14:2(B)(2), 14:84(B)(2), 14:85(B)(2), 14:86(B)(1), 14:2(B)(3), 14:104(B)(2), 14:105(B)(2), 14:282(B)(2), 15:1(A), 15:541(24), 46:1844(W)(2)