The bill known as "Weston's Law" seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding human trafficking, particularly concerning minors. It expands the definition of human trafficking to include the recruitment or coercion of juveniles into gang or drug trafficking activities. The legislation clarifies that minors can be charged with human trafficking if they are knowingly coerced or enticed to engage in illegal activities, such as participating in criminal street gangs or drug distribution schemes. Additionally, it introduces new prohibited methods of coercion, including stalking and sexual extortion, and ensures that convictions for human trafficking will not merge with those for employing juveniles in drug-related offenses, allowing for more severe penalties.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing legal language to enable courts to waive jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency cases involving serious offenses, including human trafficking, without the juvenile's consent under certain conditions. It emphasizes the necessity for prosecutors to provide clear evidence when seeking such waivers and outlines the factors courts must consider. The bill also amends the civil damages provision of the State RICO law to allow victims of human trafficking to seek triple damages in civil suits against those convicted of racketeering, and it grants prosecutors the authority to transfer juveniles charged with human trafficking to adult criminal court. This legislation reflects the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement tools to combat the exploitation of minors in the illegal drug trade, inspired by the tragic case of Weston Fundner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-26.1, 2C:13-8, 2C:33-29