Protections For Minor Human Trafficking Victims

Minor victims of human trafficking - immunity - affirmative defense report - post-enactment review. The act clarifies definitions in the "Colorado Children's Code" concerning victims of human trafficking of a minor for involuntary servitude and for sexual servitude.

The act creates immunity for a violation of a prostitution-related offense if probable cause exists to believe that a minor was a victim of either human trafficking of a minor for involuntary servitude or for sexual servitude.

The act establishes an affirmative defense for all criminal violations, except class 1 felonies, if a minor proves that he or she was:

• A victim of human trafficking of a minor for involuntary servitude or sexual servitude; and
• Forced or coerced into engaging in the criminal acts.

The act also requires that, if a law enforcement officer encounters a minor and there is probable cause to believe that the minor was a victim of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, the officer shall report the suspected violation to the county department of human or social services or the child abuse hotline.

The act requires the legislative services agencies of the general assembly to conduct a review of the implementation of the act 5 years after May 6, 2019.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)