SB442

This bill amends Arkansas law to enhance enforcement against human trafficking. It authorizes the civil and criminal forfeiture of real and personal property used in the commission of human trafficking, including vehicles, money, and land. The bill creates a new offense of harboring an endangered runaway child and establishes the 'Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund' to receive forfeited assets and specific fine payments. It mandates strict reporting and inventory procedures for law enforcement agencies regarding seized assets, with oversight provided by the Arkansas Legislative Audit. If agencies fail to comply with these accounting and reporting requirements, they become ineligible to receive forfeited funds or related grants until they appear before the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. Additionally, it restricts the transfer of seized property to federal agencies unless specific judicial and jurisdictional conditions are met.