HB1220

When law enforcement encounters a minor involved in prostitution or other sex trafficking activities, this bill requires officers to report the child to child protective services and a statewide human trafficking coordinator instead of treating them as criminals. Rather than arresting the child, officers must release them to their parents or guardians (or to child protective services if the child's safety is at risk), connecting them with support services through a child advocacy center. This establishes a "safe harbor" that treats child trafficking victims as victims needing help rather than as lawbreakers.