Under current law, youth involved in prostitution-related offenses can still face criminal system involvement despite being victims of trafficking. HB 321 takes important steps to fix this by:

• Presuming that minors engaged in prostitution are trafficking victims
• Exempting child victims from criminal responsibility for prostitution-related offenses
• Expanding affirmative defenses for trafficking survivors
• Improving referrals and access to specialized, trauma-informed services

The bill also maintains strong accountability for buyers who exploit minors, reinforcing that adults—not children—should bear criminal responsibility in commercial sexual exploitation cases.

By advancing a survivor-centered approach, HB 321 helps ensure that vulnerable youth are connected to safety, stability, and healing rather than pushed deeper into the justice system.