The bill amends the existing human trafficking statute in New Jersey to broaden the definition of the crime to include individuals who financially benefit from human trafficking activities, even if they are not directly involved as organizers, supervisors, financiers, or managers. Specifically, it introduces new language stating that a person commits the crime if they "receive anything of value from participation as an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager or benefits financially in a scheme or course of conduct which violates" the existing provisions. Additionally, the bill clarifies that knowingly holding, recruiting, luring, enticing, or obtaining a child under 18 for sexual activity or labor is also considered human trafficking, regardless of any mistaken belief about the child's age.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that a conviction for human trafficking under these expanded definitions constitutes a crime of the first degree, carrying severe penalties, including a minimum 20-year prison sentence without parole eligibility and a mandatory fine of at least $25,000. It also mandates restitution to victims based on the greater of the gross income derived from their labor or the value of their services as determined by various state and federal labor laws. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:13-8