HB422 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Human trafficking, crimes and penalties further provided, Secs. 13A-6-151, 13A-6-152, 13A-6-157.1, 13A-6-170, 13A-12-122, 15-27-5 am'd.

Summary

HB422 strengthens Alabama's fight against human trafficking by expanding victim protections, increasing penalties, and giving new enforcement tools to seize assets and vehicles connected to trafficking.

What This Bill Does

It removes the requirement of coercion or deception for trafficking when the victim cannot consent due to physical or mental incapacity; it establishes a minimum incarceration period for trafficking of a minor; it allows theAttorney General to pursue civil actions and lets courts appoint a master or receiver to seize assets during litigation; and it tightens enforcement and penalties, including higher fines for hotline-posting violations, new poster requirements, and additional protections and procedures related to expungement, whistleblower protection, and vehicle impoundment by municipalities.

Who It Affects

• Victims of human trafficking and potential victims, who gain stronger remedies (expungement hearings, whistleblower protections, and civil remedies) and clearer protections in law.
• Offenders and organizations connected to trafficking (traffickers, customers, and businesses), as well as employers and establishments affected by posting requirements, penalties, asset/vehicle seizure, and new enforcement powers.

Key Provisions

• Coercion or deception is not required if the victim is physically or mentally incapable of consent.
• Provides a minimum period of incarceration for a person convicted of human trafficking of a minor.
• Allows the Attorney General to pursue civil actions to restrain unlawful activity and recover damages, and permits courts to appoint a master or receiver to seize assets of the defendant during the case.
• Increases penalties for failing to post human trafficking hotline information from a warning or $25 to a $250 penalty for subsequent violations; assigns enforcement responsibility to specific agencies; requires posters in various venues and online posting.
• Adds a minimum incarceration requirement for a second or subsequent conviction for paying for sexual conduct with another person.
• Expungement procedures for victims of human trafficking are strengthened, requiring hearings and granting petitions upon compliance with requirements.
• Provides whistleblower protections for employees who report trafficking-related activity by their employer.
• Authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances to impound vehicles used in trafficking or prostitution and outlines release procedures and cost reimbursements if the person is not guilty.
• Nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update code language to current style.
• Acknowledges Amendment 621 restrictions on local funding but states the bill falls within exceptions, allowing it to become effective without a 2/3 local-vote requirement.
• Effective date: January 1, 2021.

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

Subjects

Human Trafficking