House Bill 653 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg BarnesRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Human trafficking; crime of human trafficking in the first degree, minimum sentence imposed for subjecting victim to sexual servitude

Summary

HB653 would require a mandatory life sentence for first-degree human trafficking when the victim is subjected to sexual servitude.

What This Bill Does

It amends the first-degree human trafficking statute to require a mandatory life sentence when the victim is subjected to sexual servitude. The offense remains a Class A felony, and the bill preserves a minimum-life sentence in cases involving a minor trafficking victim or when a 19-year-old or older offender traffics a minor. The defendant’s knowledge of the victim’s age is not required to be liable. Corporations or other legal entities can be prosecuted for trafficking if an agent acts within the scope of employment.

Who It Affects

• Victims who are subjected to sexual servitude: the offender would face a mandatory life sentence under first-degree human trafficking.
• Defendants charged with first-degree human trafficking: could receive life imprisonment if sexual servitude is involved or if there is a minor victim and the offender is 19 years old or older.
• Corporations and other legal entities: can be prosecuted if an agent commits the crime within the scope of employment and on behalf of the entity.

Key Provisions

• Amends 13A-6-152(a) to establish a mandatory minimum life imprisonment for first-degree human trafficking when the victim is subjected to sexual servitude.
• Maintains first-degree human trafficking as a Class A felony.
• Adds the trigger of a minimum life sentence when there is a minor victim and the offender is 19 years old or older.
• Adds that knowledge of the victim's age is not required for liability.
• Corporations and other legal entities can be prosecuted if an agent commits the crime within the scope of employment or on behalf of the entity.
• Preserves obstruction/enforcement interference as a Class A felony.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 31, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses