Sponsor says House Bill 464 would grant limited immunity to trafficking victims who seek help; lawmakers raise questions about scope

Representative Eric Bell presented House Bill 464, a harm-reduction measure that would provide limited immunity from prosecution for certain offenses when a person is a victim of human trafficking or is seeking assistance related to addiction or trafficking. The sponsor said the intent is to remove a barrier that stops victims from seeking help out of fear of prosecution.

Why it matters: Backers argued the bill prioritizes survivors’ access to services and safety over prosecuting low-level offenses that can deter reporting and recovery. Representative Bell said the measure is aimed at public-safety and recovery: "By granting immunity to victims who seek help, HB 464 prioritizes public safety, recovery over punishment," he told the committee.

Questions and debate: Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s breadth. Several members asked how the bill would treat situations where a reporting person might also be an accomplice to serious crimes (for example, drug distribution or armed robbery), and whether a perpetrator could game the system by being the first to call law enforcement. The sponsor noted carve-outs that bar immunity for accomplices and said courts and prosecutors would assess credibility and culpability.

Next steps: Committee members suggested off-line work to tighten definitions and possible carve-outs for situations where the person is an active participant in serious offenses. No formal vote was taken at this hearing.