HB264 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Human trafficking, revise penalties and establish agencies responsibile for enforcement, Sec. 13A-6-170 am'd.

Summary

HB 264 raises penalties for not posting the human trafficking hotline information and sets enforcement, posting requirements, and funding for anti-trafficking efforts.

What This Bill Does

It increases the penalty to $250 for the first violation and $2,500 for each subsequent violation of the posting requirement. It designates which state agencies are responsible for enforcement and requires posting of a conspicuous 8.5x11 inch poster at the entrances of listed types of establishments. It requires the poster to include hotline information, victim protections under U.S. law, 24/7 availability, anonymity, and language options, with posters available online from state agencies in multiple languages. It directs fines to the Attorney General's Special Revenue Account for education and programs related to human trafficking, and the act becomes effective January 1, 2020.

Who It Affects

• Owners/operators of listed establishments (liquor-license or retail alcohol licensees without a food permit, hotels cited as nuisances, massage parlors, transportation hubs, gas stations, and striptease/topless entertainment venues) who must post the required hotline information and may face fines for noncompliance.
• State regulatory and oversight agencies (Alabama Department of Labor, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and Public Service Commission) responsible for enforcing the posting requirement and adopting rules to ensure compliance.
• The general public and potential human trafficking victims, who would gain access to the hotline information and resources through posted notices.

Key Provisions

• Penalties for violations are increased: first violation = $250; each subsequent violation up to $2,500, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation.
• The bill applies to specific types of establishments: liquor-license or retail alcohol licensees without a food permit, certain hotels, massage parlors, airports/train stations/rest areas/rest stops/bus stations, gas stations, and striptease/topless entertainment venues; arts venues are exempt.
• A poster of at least 8.5 by 11 inches must be displayed at a public entrance, featuring the National Human Trafficking Hotline information and details about protections for victims, availability, confidentiality, and languages; the poster must be available online from the ABC Board, PSC, and Department of Labor.
• Owners must print the poster from the websites or request mailing of the poster at cost, and post it in compliance with the required location and language provisions.
• The ABA Board, PSC, and Department of Labor will provide notices and adopt rules to ensure licensees and establishments comply and to support enforcement.
• Fines collected under this section go to the Attorney General's Special Revenue Account to fund education and other programs related to human trafficking.
• Effective date: January 1, 2020; the act is exempt from the local-funds requirements of Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or changes the crime definition.

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