Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1502

Introduced
2/24/23  
Refer
2/27/23  
Report Pass
3/28/23  
Engrossed
3/30/23  
Refer
3/31/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Enrolled
4/7/23  
Chaptered
4/12/23  

Caption

To Create The Offense Of Sexual Solicitation Of A Minor; To Amend The Law Concerning The Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Safe Harbor Fund For Sexually Exploited Children.

Impact

The introduction of HB1502 will amend existing Arkansas laws regarding the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund and the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children. Fines imposed for violations of this new provision will be divided evenly between these two funds, thereby enhancing financial resources dedicated to aiding victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. The bill seeks to fortify state legal protections for minors against sexual offenses and to facilitate funding for programs that support vulnerable children.

Summary

House Bill 1502 aims to establish the offense of sexual solicitation of a minor in Arkansas, expanding the legal framework addressing sexual crimes against children. The bill defines sexual solicitation of a minor as occurring when an individual offers or agrees to pay a minor for sexual activities, or solicits minors for such purposes. It categorizes this offense as a Class B felony, which carries a significant penal and fiscal consequence, including mandatory fines that will contribute to support funds for victims of human trafficking and sexually exploited children.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB1502 is supportive among legislative proponents who argue that it is a necessary measure to combat child exploitation and trafficking. Advocates believe that establishing clear legal repercussions for such solicitation behaviors can act as a deterrent. However, concerns from certain community sectors arise regarding the effectiveness of punitive approaches alone and the need for comprehensive preventive measures against child exploitation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include discussions about the practicality of enforcement and the potential implications for individuals accused under the new law. Critics highlight the lack of comprehensive educational and outreach strategies in addressing the root causes of child exploitation and question whether the bill's penalties will be sufficient to deter offenders. Furthermore, some fear that the stringent measures may not account for misunderstandings or misidentifications of situations involving minors, which could lead to unintended consequences for individuals accused under this new law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1010

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SR1

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SB16

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Children And Family Services Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

CA SB35

Human trafficking: California ACTS Task Force.

CA AB2020

Survivors of Human Trafficking Support Act.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

CA AB1735

Evidence: privileges: human trafficking caseworker-victim privilege.

NJ A4306

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

CA AB2843

Regional Task Forces Against Human Trafficking Grant Program.

CA AR5

Relative to National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

HI HB867

Relating To Sex Trafficking Prevention.