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Committee backs bill to bar prosecution of minors for prostitution-related offenses, expands victim services
Summary
The Judiciary Committee reported House Bill 3 21 favorably after testimony from survivors, care providers and law enforcement. The bill would explicitly prohibit arrest or prosecution of minors for prostitution offenses and reinforce victim-centered services and statewide advocacy.
The committee voted to report House Bill 3 21, legislation that would explicitly exempt minors from prosecution for prostitution-related offenses and strengthen the state’s response to child sex trafficking.
Representative LaFleur presented the bill, telling members it closes a loophole that has allowed minors to be arrested or charged for conduct the 2013 Safe Harbor law was intended to treat as victimhood. "This bill serves to address that loophole by expressly providing minors are criminally exempt from prostitution offenses," she said.
Survivors and service providers gave testimony in support. Father Jeff Bai, founder of Metanoia Manor, described trauma he sees in girls who have been trafficked and said arrests and jail are inappropriate places for victims. "I urge you, please, please never arrest a child in this state for prostitution," he said. Survivor Audrey Wascom urged a legal presumption that minors are victims of trafficking and described how survivors fear being treated as criminals.
Chief Tommy Clark, chairman of the Louisiana Human Trafficking Commission, said state data show thousands of juveniles have been connected to services and stressed the need to close legal gaps. Multiple law-enforcement groups, district attorneys, child-advocacy centers and faith organizations filed cards in support.
Megan Garvey, representing the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said she supported the bill as pro-child and said exempting minors from prosecution could improve trafficking prosecutions by encouraging victims to testify.
There was no recorded opposition in committee; the chair moved and the committee reported HB 3 21 favorably to the floor. The bill includes provisions calling for care coordination, advocacy services and education materials for students, and sponsors said implementation will rely on partnerships among law enforcement, child welfare and statewide advocates.
