S.B. No. 955 amends the Penal Code regarding the punishment for the offense of trafficking persons. The bill specifies that an offense is generally classified as a second-degree felony, but escalates to a first-degree felony under certain conditions. These conditions include instances where the trafficking results in serious bodily injury or death, the use of a deadly weapon, or if the trafficker recruited the victim from specific vulnerable locations such as shelters for runaway youth or correctional facilities. Notably, the bill adds new provisions that include recruiting from these facilities as aggravating factors for harsher penalties.

Additionally, the bill modifies the circumstances under which trafficking offenses are classified as first-degree felonies, particularly when committed near schools, juvenile detention facilities, or other designated locations. It also clarifies that the law applies only to offenses committed after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. The changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding human trafficking and enhance penalties for offenders who exploit vulnerable populations.