This bill aims to enhance public safety by amending the definitions and penalties associated with labor trafficking in Minnesota. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "debt bondage," "forced or coerced labor," and "psychological harm," while also establishing enhanced penalties for labor trafficking offenses that occur over an extended period or result in the death or great bodily harm of a victim. The bill mandates that the Sentencing Guidelines Commission consider assigning a severity level ranking to labor trafficking crimes, thereby ensuring that such offenses are treated with the seriousness they warrant.

Additionally, the bill repeals the previous definition of "blackmail" and makes conforming changes to various sections of Minnesota Statutes, including the removal of outdated language. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2023, and they will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding labor trafficking, improve victim protections, and raise public awareness about the risks and realities of trafficking.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.281, 299A.78, 299A.79, 609.282
1st Engrossment: 609.281, 299A.78, 299A.79, 609.282, 609.321, 609.322
2nd Engrossment: 609.281, 299A.78, 299A.79, 609.282, 609.321, 609.322, 609.325
1st Engrossment: 609.281, 299A.78, 299A.79, 609.282, 609.321, 609.322
2nd Engrossment: 609.281, 299A.78, 299A.79, 609.282, 609.321, 609.322, 609.325