This bill amends existing New Jersey law to establish an affirmative defense for individuals charged with any offense under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes if they were victims of human trafficking at the time of the alleged crime. Specifically, the defense applies if the defendant can demonstrate that they were a victim of human trafficking and that the offense was committed as a direct result of that victimization. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the affirmative defense is not negated by the absence of a conviction for the underlying human trafficking offense against the defendant.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing statutes related to human trafficking and related offenses. It reinforces the penalties for human trafficking crimes, including mandatory imprisonment terms and fines that contribute to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." Furthermore, it ensures that victims of human trafficking are recognized in the legal system, allowing them to defend against charges that may arise from their exploitation. Overall, the bill aims to provide legal protections for victims of human trafficking, acknowledging their circumstances in the context of criminal prosecution.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:13-8, 2C:13-9