Relating To Human Trafficking.
The establishment of this center will significantly impact state laws relating to human trafficking. Notably, the bill introduces amendments to the Hawaii Revised Statutes that would classify solicitation of a minor for sex as a strict liability offense. This change aims to hold individuals accountable without requiring proof of intent regarding the victim's age, thereby strengthening protections against exploitation and trafficking of minors. The proposed legislative changes reflect a comprehensive approach to tackle the complexities of human trafficking in the state.
House Bill 695 aims to enhance the efforts to combat human trafficking in Hawaii by establishing a dedicated center within the Department of the Attorney General. This center's primary purpose is to assist in the implementation of both federal and state laws regarding human trafficking, particularly through coordinated efforts among various state and county agencies, as well as federal entities. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the center, which include promoting public awareness about human trafficking and ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to locate and protect victims.
While the bill is largely aimed at increasing protections and resources for victims of human trafficking, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of funds and the operational aspects of the newly established center. The funding for the center must be appropriated from the general revenues of the state, raising discussions about budget priorities. Advocates for human trafficking prevention emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue, while fiscal conservatives may express concerns regarding the expenditure of state resources. Despite potential disputes, the overarching goal of HB 695 is to create a stronger framework to combat human trafficking in Hawaii.