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House amendment creates a human‑trafficking defense and a 12‑hour obstruction hold in HB1354
Summary
An amendment to HB1354 adds a defense for victims of human trafficking who use force against their trafficker (requiring clear and convincing evidence) and a 12‑hour prohibition on release for certain obstruction arrests; the committee advanced the amended bill to full judiciary.
Sponsor explained that HB1354 contains two principal parts: first, a provision creating a legal defense for individuals who were victims of human trafficking and used force against their trafficker, subject to a clear‑and‑convincing‑evidence standard; and second, a measure that prohibits release for a person arrested for obstruction for 12 hours from the time of arrest. "The 1st part of this bill is a human trafficking bill," the sponsor said, describing the burden of proof and the obstacles the amendment seeks to address.
Committee members had no recorded objections after the sponsor’s explanation and the subcommittee voted to send HB1354 as amended to the full judiciary committee; the clerk recorded 9 ayes and 0 noes. The sponsor said the amendment made the bill and asked for a favorable report to full committee.
