HB598 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Sexually exploited children, conviction or delinquency adjudication for prostitution prohibited, transfer from juvenile court prohibited, retention of jurisdiction by juvenile court, county services for, required, Sec. 13A-12-123 added

Summary

HB598 creates a safe harbor for sexually exploited children in prostitution by keeping them out of delinquency convictions and keeping them under juvenile court supervision with access to support services.

What This Bill Does

It defines a sexually exploited child and states they may not be adjudicated delinquent or convicted of prostitution; instead they may be adjudicated as a child in need of supervision or a dependent child. It prohibits transferring such cases to adult court and keeps the juvenile court with authority to issue orders and protections in the child’s best interests. It requires that social and community services be available to these children, such as counseling, shelter, medical and legal services, and other supports.

Who It Affects

• Sexually exploited children under age 18: protected from delinquency adjudication and prostitution convictions and eligible for supervision or dependency adjudication with services.
• Juvenile court system and service providers: responsible for intake evaluation, adjudication as NIC or dependent, ongoing jurisdiction, protective orders, and provision of mandated services to these children.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'sexually exploited child' as under 18 under juvenile court jurisdiction who has been subjected to sexual exploitation (e.g., human trafficking, prostitution, or related offenses).
• Prohibits adjudicating a sexually exploited child as delinquent or convicting them of prostitution; allows adjudication as a child in need of supervision or a dependent child.
• Prohibits transferring such cases from juvenile court to adult court; juvenile court retains jurisdiction and can issue necessary orders or hearings to protect the child’s health and safety.
• Requires social and community services to be made available to sexually exploited children (e.g., forensic interviewing, counseling, shelter, medical and legal services, education support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and related investigations).
• Intake officers must evaluate cases to identify sexually exploited children and consider them for NIC or dependent petitions; once adjudicated, the court retains jurisdiction and can enforce prior monetary orders; emergency protective orders may be issued.
• Provides that the act may afford rights under existing juvenile procedure laws and explicitly addresses the availability of services and protections for the child.
• Section 4 and 5 provisions clarify that the act is exempt from local funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates/defines a new crime or amends an existing one, and sets the effective date as 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

Children