Louisiana House Bill HB825

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/7/10
• Engrossed: 4/14/10
• Report Pass: 6/2/10
• Enrolled: 6/11/10
• Chaptered: 6/21/10
• Passed: 6/21/10

Caption

Adds the crimes of human trafficking and trafficking of children for sexual purposes to the list of sex offenses and crimes of violence (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB825 would lead to significant changes in state law, specifically enhancing the framework for prosecution and tracking of crimes involving trafficking. By categorizing these offenses as 'crimes of violence', the bill not only increases the penalties associated with such offenses but also heightens public awareness about the prevalence of human trafficking issues. These changes may also lead to increased resources and support for law enforcement agencies tasked with combating these crimes, thereby improving overall efficacy in handling trafficking cases.

Summary

House Bill 825 aims to amend Louisiana's law regarding sex offenses by explicitly including human trafficking and trafficking of children for sexual purposes under the categories of crimes of violence. The bill seeks to provide clearer definitions of these offenses and enhance the legal framework surrounding these serious crimes. By defining trafficking of children for sexual purposes and human trafficking as aggravated offenses, HB825 aims to strengthen the legal consequences for offenders and emphasizes the gravity of these crimes in respect to victim protection and community safety.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB825 appears to be supportive, especially among legislators who prioritize issues related to the protection of vulnerable populations, such as children. Advocates for the bill often frame it as a necessary step towards combating the scourge of human trafficking and ensuring that Louisiana does not become a haven for such crimes. However, some criticisms may arise regarding the practical implications of enforcement and whether additional measures are being implemented to support victims of these crimes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB825 may center around the adequacy of existing resources to implement the changes proposed. Some legislators may argue that while the intent behind the bill is commendable, simply increasing penalties without accompanying support systems for victims and law enforcement might limit its effectiveness. Furthermore, discussions may arise about potential funding sources for the initiatives aimed at fighting human trafficking and whether the state's current budget can accommodate these enhancements.