HB253 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim Barton

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Victor GastonDavid SessionsChad FincherEd Henry

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Human trafficking, penalties enhanced for subsequent convictions, sex offenders required to disclose Internet service providers, additional fines authorized for persons convicted of human trafficking, Act 2011-640, 2011 Reg. Sess., am'd; Secs. 13A-6-152, 13A-6-153, 15-20A-7 am'd

Summary

HB253 tightens penalties for repeat human trafficking offenses, expands how minors are evaluated in sexual servitude cases, adds ISP disclosure for sex offenders, and directs new fines to victim services and enforcement.

What This Bill Does

It increases penalties for people with prior convictions of first- or second-degree human trafficking, including consecutive prison terms and up to a $1,000,000 fine per offense, with fines deposited into the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Fund. It requires that in cases involving minors the total circumstances—such as the victim's age, relationship to the trafficker, and any disabilities—be used when determining sexual servitude. It adds a requirement for sex offenders to disclose their internet service provider when registering and expands the data collected during registration. It directs law enforcement to identify all trafficking victims regardless of citizenship and sets funding and procedures to support victim services and enforcement from the new fines.

Who It Affects

• People convicted of first-degree or second-degree human trafficking (including those with prior convictions) would face enhanced penalties, potential consecutive imprisonment terms, and large fines.
• Sex offenders required to register would need to disclose their internet service provider and provide extensive registration information; law enforcement and victim-service organizations would gain tools and funding to identify, assist, and protect trafficking victims, regardless of citizenship.

Key Provisions

• Enhances penalties for subsequent convictions of first-degree trafficking (Class A felony) and second-degree trafficking (Class B felony) with additional consecutive terms.
• In minor trafficking cases, requires consideration of total circumstances—including the victim's age, relationship to the trafficker, and any disabilities—when determining sexual servitude.
• Corporations or other entities may be prosecuted for trafficking if an agent commits the crime within the scope of employment and on behalf of the entity; includes patterns of conduct and other related conditions.
• Adds obstruction penalties: obstructing enforcement of trafficking laws is a Class C felony; obstructing second-degree trafficking enforcement is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Authorizes an additional fine up to $1,000,000 per conviction, with fines deposited into the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Fund; 70% supports shelters, counseling, and direct services for victims, and 30% funds prevention, witness protection, and rescue operations.
• Requires sex offenders to disclose their internet service provider during registration and expands registration data to include details such as ISPs, DNA, fingerprints, photos, and related information; registration data stored electronically and accessible to authorized entities.
• Law enforcement must use due diligence to identify all trafficking victims regardless of citizenship and consider indicators of trafficking (e.g., signs of trauma, restricted movement, debt, control of identification documents).
• Affirms that the act creates a new or amended crime and is exempt from certain local-fund expenditure requirements; becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses