The proposed Human Trafficking Prevention Act aims to strengthen legal measures against human trafficking, particularly for minors and individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code, increasing the classification of certain offenses from second-degree felonies to first-degree felonies, specifically for kidnapping and abduction violations. It introduces new penalties for offenders, including indefinite prison terms with minimum sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years, depending on the nature of the crime and the victim's age or condition. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions and circumstances under which actions constitute kidnapping or trafficking, emphasizing that such acts must be done without privilege and create a substantial risk of harm.

Amended House Bill No. 47 further enhances penalties for violent sex offenses, particularly those involving minors. It raises the minimum age for certain offenses from thirteen to eighteen years and increases minimum sentences for kidnapping and other violent crimes against minors, with the minimum term for kidnapping a victim under eighteen raised from fifteen to twenty-five years. The bill mandates that all additional prison terms for violent sex offenses be served consecutively and automatically classifies offenders convicted of specific violent sex offenses as tier III sex offenders, imposing stricter registration requirements. It also allows for parole eligibility for juvenile offenders sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, providing a pathway for rehabilitation while maintaining stringent penalties for serious offenses.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.41, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.32, 2971.03
As Reported By House Committee: 2903.41, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.32, 2971.03
As Passed By House: 2903.41, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.32, 2971.03