RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 352 (SB 170) 2021 Regular Session Johns
Prior law provided for the crime of human trafficking. Makes it unlawful to use another
person to provide any labor or service having economic value through fraud, force, or
coercion or to facilitate or benefit from the prohibited activities. If the victim is under age 21
and providing some commercial sexual activity, the use of fraud, force, or coercion is not
necessary.
Prior law provides for human trafficking victims services plans for children and adults.
Creates the 17-member La. Human Trafficking Prevention Commission (commission) in the
office of the governor and a 23-member advisory board for the purpose of coordinating
human trafficking prevention programs and integrating delivery of services to human
trafficking victims.
New law retains prior law and, effective July 1, 2021, creates the office of human trafficking
prevention (OHTP) in the governor's office for the purpose of coordinating resources of
public and private entities engaged in providing assistance to human trafficking victims.
Places the commission within OHTP.
New law provides for an executive director of OHTP appointed by the governor and
confirmed by the Senate. Adds the executive director to the commission. Provides for the
executive director to employ necessary staff.
New law provides for the powers and duties of the office, including the requirement to
develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan to prevent human trafficking and to
address the needs of human trafficking victims. Requires the plan to be submitted annually
to the legislature, the Department of Children and Family Services(DCFS), and certain other
statutory entities.
Prior law required DCFS to make a current listing of safe houses for sexually exploited
children available to courts, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
New law requires the list to be made available to OHTP as well and requires an annual report
on their operations including formation on the services offered, a listing of credentials,
training, and licenses specific to survivor-centered and trauma-informed services for human
trafficking survivors.
Prior law required each private entity providing victims services pursuant to prior law and
each safe house to submit annual reports to DCFS on their operations including information
on services offered, training, or certifications received specific to human trafficking
prevention. Required DCFS to compile data from the reports and provide the data to the
legislature by February first.
New law requires reports to be submitted to OHTP as well as DCFS. Moves the requirement
for data compilation and transmission to the legislature from DCFS to OHTP.
Prior law required DCFS to create a coalition to develop a human trafficking victim services
delivery model, giving consideration to the recommendations of and collaborating with the
commission and advisory board.
New law repeals prior law.
Effective upon signature of the governor (June 17, 2021).
(Amends R.S. 46:2161(C), 2161.1(A) and (C), 2165(A) and (B)(2) and (6), 2166(D),
2167(D), and Children's Code Art. 725.2(A)(1) and (B); adds R.S. 36:4(J) and R.S.
46:2166(A)(18) and 2169-2169.1; repeals R.S. 46:62)