This bill amends current New Jersey law to establish an affirmative defense for individuals charged with any offense under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, provided they were victims of human trafficking at the time of the alleged crime. Specifically, the bill stipulates that a defendant can assert this defense if they can demonstrate that they were a victim of human trafficking and that their actions were a direct result of the trafficking offense committed against them. Notably, the bill clarifies that the affirmative defense is not negated by the absence of a conviction for the underlying human trafficking offense.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions related to human trafficking and related offenses, ensuring that victims are not further victimized by the legal system. It retains the requirement for restitution to victims and establishes penalties for those convicted of human trafficking-related crimes, including significant fines that will contribute to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." Overall, the bill aims to provide legal protections for victims of human trafficking, recognizing their circumstances in the context of criminal prosecution.

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