This bill amends existing New Jersey law regarding penalties for human trafficking of children, specifically those under 18 years of age. It expands the definition of human trafficking to include not only the act of engaging a child in sexual activity but also any act of obtaining a child to provide labor or services through various coercive means. The bill establishes that any violation involving a child under 18 constitutes a crime of the first degree, which carries severe penalties.

Under the new provisions, the penalties for human trafficking a child to engage in sexual activity remain stringent, but the bill introduces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for any act of human trafficking involving a child, regardless of the nature of the exploitation. Additionally, the bill mandates a minimum fine of $25,000 for convictions under this section, which will be directed to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." This legislative change aims to strengthen protections for children and impose harsher consequences on offenders involved in human trafficking.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:13-8