Committee hears support for HB 7236 to create affirmative defense for juveniles coerced by human trafficking

Advocates, service providers and some prosecutors told the Judiciary Committee March 24 that HB 7236 would give juvenile victims of human trafficking a narrow legal tool: an affirmative defense to some misdemeanor charges when the offense was committed as a direct result of victimization.

Erin Williamson, chief programs and strategy officer at Love146, an anti‑trafficking nonprofit, told committee members she supports the bill in its entirety and focused her remarks on section 16, which she said provides an affirmative defense for juveniles who commit certain misdemeanors under coercion of traffickers. “When they’re arrested for these things, sometimes it comes out that they’re victims of trafficking, but they really have no reason to compel them to disclose that victimization,” Williamson said. She said the defense helps ensure victims will disclose the coercion so prosecutors and defense counsel can factor…