SB431

Senate Bill 431 amends the Human Trafficking Act of 2013 to strengthen criminal statutes related to child exploitation and human trafficking. The bill eliminates the statute of limitations for the prosecution of several offenses, including human trafficking, sexual extortion of minors, and grooming a minor for sex trafficking. It expands legal protections by providing an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking who are charged with specific non-violent offenses committed as a direct result of being trafficked. Furthermore, the bill establishes new criminal penalties for the manufacture, distribution, sale, or possession of 'child sex dolls,' which are defined as anatomically precise items resembling minors intended for sexual use. Violations regarding these items are classified as Class B, C, or D felonies depending on the specific activity. The overall aim is to increase accountability for traffickers and expand support mechanisms for survivors.