HB398 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crimes and offenses, human trafficking, further provided to include consenting to the marriage of a minor to subject the minor to labor servitude or sexual servitude, Sec. 13A-6-153 am'd.

Summary

HB398 adds a new basis for human trafficking in the second degree by making a parent or guardian who knowingly consents to a minor's marriage for the purpose of forcing labor or sexual servitude into a Class B felony.

What This Bill Does

- Amends Section 13A-6-153 to create a new condition where a parent or legal guardian who consents to a minor's marriage for exploitation can be charged with human trafficking in the second degree. - Clarifies that corporations or other legal entities can be prosecuted for trafficking if an agent commits the crime within the scope of employment. - Establishes that human trafficking in the second degree is a Class B felony. - States the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a crime, and sets an effective date a few months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Parents or legal guardians who consent to a minor's marriage; they could be criminally charged for trafficking in the second degree if the marriage is for exploitation.
• Corporations or other legal entities; could be prosecuted if an employee or agent commits trafficking in the described way while acting within the scope of employment.

Key Provisions

• Adds new subsection to 13A-6-153: a parent or guardian who knowingly consents to a minor's marriage for labor or sexual servitude commits human trafficking in the second degree.
• Defines trafficking in the second degree to include acts by a corporation or other entity when an agent commits the crime within the scope of employment; allows corporate liability.
• Classifies human trafficking in the second degree as a Class B felony.
• States the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime, and provides an effective date (first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses