The proposed bill amends Louisiana's Revised Statutes to strengthen laws against prostitution offenses, particularly focusing on the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. A significant addition is the provision that criminalizes the solicitation or purchase of individuals under eighteen for commercial sexual activity, with penalties that include fines up to $75,000 and imprisonment terms ranging from 15 to 50 years, depending on the victim's age and the offense's nature. The bill mandates that a minimum portion of the sentence must be served without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension, thereby reinforcing the seriousness of these crimes.

In addition to increasing penalties, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifies the treatment of trafficking victims, ensuring that children identified as victims are referred for specialized services and are not prosecuted for offenses resulting from their victimization. It also modifies existing legal language, such as changing "and" to "or" in the context of purchasing commercial sexual activity, and expands the definition of "human trafficking-related offense" to encompass a wider range of crimes. The bill aims to enhance protections for victims and witnesses, ensuring that the legal framework is comprehensive and aligned with current standards of fairness and due process.

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)