Trafficking.
"Trafficking" occurs when a person forces another person to perform labor, involuntary servitude, sexually explicit acts, or commercial sex acts. Trafficking in the first and second degree are class A felonies. Trafficking in the first degree is a seriousness level XIV crime, and trafficking in the second degree is a seriousness level XII crime.
Promoting Prostitution.
"Prostitution" is sexual conduct in return for payment. A person is guilty of Promoting Prostitution when a person uses threat or force to compel a victim to engage in prostitution, or when the person profits from prostitution. Promoting Prostitution in the first and second degree are class B or C felonies, and seriousness level VIII and III crimes, respectively.
Classification of Crimes and Fines.
Crimes are classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies. The classification of a crime generally determines the maximum term of confinement (prison or jail) and/or fine for an offense. For each classification, the maximum terms of confinement and maximum fines are as follows:
| Classification | Maximum Confinement | Maximum Fine |
| Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
| Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 |
| Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Class B Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
| Class A Felony | Life | $50,000 |
The classification generally determines the maximum term of confinement. When a person is convicted of a felony, the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA) applies. The SRA is a determinate sentencing system in which a judge selects a particular sentence from a standard range. The standard range is determined by reference to a statutory grid, which is based on the defendant's criminal history (converted into an offender score) and the severity of the offense (according to designated seriousness levels). Seriousness levels range from I to XVI, and offender scores can range from zero to nine or more points. A higher seriousness level or offender score results in a longer sentence.
Statute of Limitations.
Criminal offenses must be prosecuted within specified time periods, which is called the "statute of limitations." Once a statute of limitations has expired, a prosecutor is barred from bringing charges against an alleged perpetrator. Statutes of limitation vary according to the crime. Trafficking must be prosecuted within 10 years, and Promoting Prostitution must be prosecuted within three years.
A new crime is created that criminalizes the branding of another person. A person is guilty of Unlawful Branding of Another Person if the person:
"Tattoo" means to pierce or puncture human skin to implant an indelible mark in the skin.
"Body art" means invasive cosmetic adornment, including branding and scarification. It does not include health-related procedures performed by licensed healthcare practitioners.
"Coercion" means use of a threat to compel or induce another person to engage in conduct which the person has a legal right to abstain from, or to compel or induce another person to abstain from conduct which the person has a legal right to engage in.
The use of branding to engage in trafficking or prostitution of the victim is a class B felony and seriousness level V offense.
Unlawful branding must be prosecuted within 10 years of its commission, unless the victim is younger than 18 years of age. If the crime is committed against a victim under the age of 18, it must be prosecuted within 10 years or by the victim's thirtieth birthday, whichever is later.
(In support) People suffer every day from the crimes of human and sex trafficking. Nearly 3,500 victims contacted the human trafficking hotline, but the number of people affected is likely underreported. People are being marked with bar codes, and the physical marks are a constant reminder to the victims that they were treated as the property of another person. Victims who get away from the perpetrators are left with many scars, including the physical markings forcibly placed on them. The bill creates a crime when a person forcibly marks another person to identify the victim as the property of a trafficker.
(Opposed) None.