HB37 Alabama 2015 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2015

Title

Human Trafficking Safe Harbor Act, crimes of prostitution, sexually exploited children, conviction or delinquency adjudication of prostitution prohibited under certain conditions, retention of jurisdiction by juvenile court, additional fines, counseling required, detention of foreign nationals under certain conditions, Sec. 13A-12-123 added

Summary

HB37 creates a safe harbor for sexually exploited children in prostitution cases, keeping them out of delinquency prosecutions and directing them toward juvenile court services and protections.

What This Bill Does

It defines sexually exploited child and ensures such a child may not be adjudicated delinquent or convicted for prostitution, instead potentially being treated as a child in need of supervision or a dependent child. It prevents transferring these cases to adult court and keeps juvenile court jurisdiction to protect the child's health and safety. It requires social and community services for sexually exploited children, such as counseling, shelter, medical care, and legal services. It imposes a mandatory $500 fine on certain prostitution-related offenses, to be paid to a court-certified therapeutic counselor, and it allows detention up to 72 hours to help the person access needed resources, with court-directed follow-up if needed.

Who It Affects

• Sexually exploited children under 18: they would be protected from delinquency adjudications for prostitution and would receive court-supervised services under juvenile court oversight.
• Adults convicted of prostitution and related offenses: they would face a mandatory $500 fine directed to counseling services and may be required to attend counseling or educational programs.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'sexually exploited child' and provides safe harbor so such a child cannot be adjudicated delinquent or convicted for prostitution, instead being treated as a child in need of supervision or a dependent child.
• Prohibits transferring a sexually exploited child’s prostitution case from juvenile court to adult court; juvenile court retains jurisdiction to protect health and safety and may issue necessary orders.
• Requires social and community services for sexually exploited children, including counseling, shelter, medical care, legal services, education, crisis intervention, safety planning, and related supports.
• Imposes a mandatory $500 fine on conviction for promoting prostitution and certain related offenses, with the money paid to a court-certified therapeutic counseling entity.
• Allows detention up to 72 hours after arrest for prostitution to ensure access to resources, with a court review and possible orders to obtain needed services.
• Provides that the act is effective on the first day of the third month after governor approval, and notes that although it may involve local expenditures, it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements due to constitutional exceptions.

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

Subjects

Human Trafficking