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Arkansas General Assembly· SB 442Notification that SB442 is now Act 667

An act TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING, the official text

Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Arkansas General Assembly, fetched 2026-07-23. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. The official bill page.
Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to present law.

1 State of Arkansas              As Engrossed: S4/1/25
2 95th General Assembly
                                      A Bill

3 Regular Session, 2025                                          SENATE BILL 442

4

5 By: Senator J. Bryant

6 By: Representative McAlindon

7

8                                For An Act To Be Entitled

9   AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING;

10  TO PROVIDE FOR FORFEITURE OF ASSETS USED TO CONDUCT

11  HUMAN TRAFFICKING; TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF HARBORING

12  AN ENDANGERED RUNAWAY CHILD; TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS

13  HUMAN TRAFFICKING COUNCIL SUPPORT FUND; TO AMEND THE

14  FINE PAYMENTS FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING OFFENSES AND

15  PROSTITUTION OFFENSES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

16

17

18                               Subtitle

19                       TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING HUMAN

20                       TRAFFICKING; TO PROVIDE FOR FORFEITURE

21                       OF ASSETS USED TO CONDUCT HUMAN

22                       TRAFFICKING; AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE

23                       OF HARBORING AN ENDANGERED RUNAWAY

24                       CHILD.

25

26 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:

27

28  SECTION 1. Arkansas Code � 5-5-201(a), concerning certain asset

29 forfeiture proceedings, is amended to read as follows:

30  (a) Upon conviction, any conveyance, including an aircraft, motor

31 vehicle, or vessel, is subject to forfeiture under this subchapter if it is

32 used in the commission or attempt of:

33  (1) A burglary;

34  (2) A robbery;

35  (3) A theft; or

36  (4) An arson; or

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1           (5) Trafficking of persons, � 5-18-103.

2

3   SECTION 2. Arkansas Code � 5-5-202(b)(2), concerning the seizure of

4 conveyances for certain asset forfeiture proceedings, is amended to read as

5 follows:

6           (2) Any law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe

7 that the conveyance was used in the commission or attempt of:

8           (A) A burglary;

9           (B) A robbery;

10          (C) A theft; or

11          (D) An arson; or

12          (E) Trafficking of persons, � 5-18-103.

13

14  SECTION 3. Arkansas Code � 5-5-501(d), concerning the impoundment of a

15 motor vehicle used in a prostitution offense and the assessment of the

16 impoundment fee, is amended to read as follows:

17  (d) An impoundment fee assessed under this section shall be collected

18 by the impounding law enforcement agency and remitted to the Human

19 Trafficking Victim Support Fund Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support

20 Fund on the first business day of each month.

21

22  SECTION 4. Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 5, is amended to add an

23 additional subchapter to read as follows:

24  Subchapter 6 -- Forfeiture of Property used in Human Trafficking

25

26  5-5-601. Forfeiture of assets and disposition of proceeds.

27  (a) In addition to any other civil or criminal penalties provided by

28 law, real or personal property used in the commission of a violation of the

29 Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq., shall be forfeited as

30 provided in this subchapter.

31  (b) Upon conviction for a violation of the Human Trafficking Act of

32 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq., the following real or personal property is subject

33 to forfeiture under this subchapter:

34          (1) A conveyance, including an aircraft, a vehicle, or vessel;

35          (2) A book, record, telecommunication equipment, or computer;

36          (3) Money;

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1        (4) A negotiable instrument or security;

2        (5) A weapon;

3        (6) Anything of value furnished, or intended to be furnished, in

4 exchange for a violation of the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et

5 seq.;

6        (7) Any real or personal property acquired or received in a

7 violation of or as an inducement to violate the Human Trafficking Act of

8 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq.;

9        (8) Any real or personal property traceable to proceeds from a

10 violation of the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq.; and

11       (9) Any real property, including any right, title, and interest

12 in the whole of or any part of any lot or tract of land used in furtherance

13 of a violation of the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq.

14

15       5-5-602. Real or personal property not subject to forfeiture.

16       (a)(1) Real or personal property used in furtherance of a violation of

17 the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq., shall not be forfeited

18 under this section unless the real or personal property was used with the

19 owner's knowledge.

20       (2) If the confiscating authority has reason to believe that the

21 real or personal property is leased or rented, the confiscating authority

22 shall notify the owner of the real or personal property within five (5) days

23 of the confiscation or within five (5) days of learning that the real or

24 personal property is leased or rented.

25       (3) Forfeiture of real or personal property encumbered by a bona

26 fide security interest is subject to the interest of the secured party if the

27 secured party did not have knowledge of nor consented to the act or omission

28 in violation of the Human Trafficking Act of 2013 � 5-18-101 et seq.

29       (b) No property used by any person as a common carrier in the course

30 of business as a common carrier is subject to forfeiture under this

31 subchapter unless it appears that the owner or other person in charge of the

32 property is a consenting party or privy to a violation of the Human

33 Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq.

34

35       5-5-603. Seizure of real or personal property.

36       (a) Real or personal property subject to forfeiture under this

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1 subchapter may be seized by any law enforcement agent upon process issued by

2 any circuit court having jurisdiction over the real or personal property on

3 petition filed by the prosecuting attorney of the judicial circuit.

4        (b) Seizure without process may be made if:

5        (1) The seizure is incident to an arrest or a search under a

6 search warrant or an inspection under an administrative inspection warrant;

7        (2) The real or personal property subject to seizure has been

8 the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a criminal

9 injunction or forfeiture proceeding based upon this subchapter;

10       (3) The seizing law enforcement agency has probable cause to

11 believe that the real or personal property is directly or indirectly

12 dangerous to health or safety; or

13       (4) The seizing law enforcement agency has probable cause to

14 believe that the real or personal property was used in the commission or

15 attempt of a violation of the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-18-101 et

16 seq.

17

18       5-5-604. Transfer of real or personal property seized by state or

19 local agency to federal agency.

20       (a) A state or local law enforcement agency shall not transfer real or

21 personal property seized by the state or local agency to any federal entity

22 for forfeiture under federal law unless the circuit court having jurisdiction

23 over the property enters an order, upon petition by the prosecuting attorney,

24 authorizing the property to be transferred to the federal entity.

25       (b) A transfer under subsection (a) of this section shall not be

26 approved unless it reasonably appears that the activity giving rise to the

27 investigation or seizure involves more than one (1) state or the nature of

28 the investigation or seizure would be better pursued under federal law.

29

30       5-5-605. Custody of real or personal property pending disposition.

31       (a) Real or personal property seized for forfeiture under this

32 subchapter is not subject to replevin, but is deemed to be in the custody of

33 the seizing law enforcement agency subject only to an order or decree of the

34 circuit court having jurisdiction over the property seized.

35       (b) Subject to any need to retain the real or personal property as

36 evidence, when real or personal property is seized under this subchapter the

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1 seizing law enforcement agency shall:

2               (1) Remove the personal property to a place designated by the

3 circuit court;

4               (2) Place the real property under constructive seizure by

5 posting notice of pending forfeiture on it, by giving notice of pending

6 forfeiture to its owners and interest holders, or by filing notice of pending

7 forfeiture in any appropriate public record relating to the real property;

8               (3) Remove the personal property to a storage area for

9 safekeeping or, if the personal property is a negotiable instrument or money,

10 or is not needed for evidentiary purposes, deposit it in an interest-bearing

11 account; or

12              (4) Provide for another agency or custodian, including an owner,

13 secured party, mortgagee, or lienholder, to take custody of the real or

14 personal property and service, maintain, and operate it as reasonably

15 necessary to maintain its value in any appropriate location within the

16 jurisdiction of the court.

17  (c)(1) In any transfer of real or personal property under � 5-5-604, a

18 transfer receipt shall be prepared by the transferring law enforcement

19 agency.

20              (2) The transfer receipt shall:

21                    (A) List a detailed and complete description of the real

22 or personal property being transferred;

23                    (B) State to which federal agency the real or personal

24 property is being transferred and the source or authorization for the

25 transfer; and

26                    (C) Be signed by both the transferor and the transferee.

27              (3) Both transferor and transferee shall maintain a copy of the

28 transfer receipt.

29  (d) A person who acts as custodian of real or personal property under

30 this section is not liable to any person on account of an act done in a

31 reasonable manner in compliance with an order under this subchapter.

32

33  5-5-606. Inventory of real or personal property seized -- Referral to

34 prosecuting attorney -- Failure to file confiscation report.

35  (a) Real or personal property seized by a state or local law

36 enforcement officer who is attached to, deputized or commissioned by, or

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1 working in conjunction with a federal agency remains subject to the

2 provisions of this section.

3   (b)(1) When real or personal property is seized for forfeiture by a

4 law enforcement agency, the seizing law enforcement officer shall prepare and

5 sign a confiscation report.

6   (2)(A) The person from whom the real or personal property is

7 seized shall sign the confiscation report if present and shall immediately

8 receive a copy of the confiscation report.

9                (B) If the person refuses to sign the confiscation report,

10 the confiscation report shall be signed by one (1) additional law enforcement

11 officer, stating that the person refused to sign the confiscation report.

12  (3)(A) The original confiscation report shall be filed with the

13 seizing law enforcement agency within forty-eight (48) hours after the

14 seizure and maintained in a separate file.

15               (B) One (1) copy of the confiscation report shall be

16 retained by the seizing law enforcement officer.

17  (4) The confiscation report shall contain the following

18 information:

19               (A) A detailed description of the real or personal

20 property seized including without limitation any serial number, model number,

21 and odometer reading or hour reading of a vehicle or equipment;

22               (B) The date of seizure;

23               (C) The name and address of the person from whom the real

24 or personal property was seized;

25               (D) The reason for the seizure;

26               (E) Where the personal property will be held;

27               (F) The seizing law enforcement officer's name; and

28               (G) A signed statement by the seizing law enforcement

29 officer stating that the confiscation report is true and complete.

30  (5) Within three (3) business days of receiving the confiscation

31 report, the seizing law enforcement agency shall forward a copy of the

32 confiscation report to the prosecuting attorney for the district where the

33 real or personal property was seized and to the Human Trafficking

34 Coordinator.

35  (c)(1) Arkansas Legislative Audit shall notify the Human Trafficking

36 Coordinator and a circuit court in the county of a law enforcement agency,

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1 prosecuting attorney, or other public entity that the law enforcement agency,

2 prosecuting attorney, or public entity is ineligible to receive any forfeited

3 funds, forfeited real or personal property, or any grants from the Arkansas

4 Human Trafficking Council Support Fund, if Arkansas Legislative Audit

5 determines, by its own investigation or upon written notice from the Human

6 Trafficking Coordinator, that:

7             (A) The law enforcement agency has failed to complete and

8 file the confiscation report as required by this section; or

9             (B) The law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or

10 public entity has not properly accounted for any seized real or personal

11 property.

12            (2) After the notice by Arkansas Legislative Audit under

13 subdivision (c)(1) of this section, the circuit court shall not issue any

14 order distributing seized real or personal property to that law enforcement

15 agency, prosecuting attorney, or public entity nor shall any grant be awarded

16 by the Human Trafficking Operations Unit of the Division of Arkansas State

17 Police to that law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or public entity

18 until:

19            (A) The appropriate officials of the law enforcement

20 agency, prosecuting attorney, or public entity have appeared before the

21 Legislative Joint Auditing Committee; and

22            (B) The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee has adopted a

23 motion authorizing subsequent transfers of forfeited real or personal

24 property to the law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or public

25 entity.

26            (3)(A) While a law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or

27 other public entity is ineligible to receive forfeited real or personal

28 property, the circuit court shall order any money that would have been

29 distributed to that law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or public

30 entity to be transmitted to the Treasurer of State for deposit into the

31 Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

32            (B) If the real or personal property is not cash, the

33 circuit court shall order the real or personal property converted to cash by

34 selling the real or personal property under � 5-5-608(a)(2) and the proceeds

35 transmitted to the Treasurer of State for deposit into the Arkansas Human

36 Trafficking Council Support Fund.

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1   (4) Moneys deposited into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council

2 Support Fund pursuant to subdivision (c)(3) of this section are not subject

3 to recovery or retrieval by the ineligible law enforcement agency,

4 prosecuting attorney, or other public entity.

5   (d) The Human Trafficking Coordinator shall make available a

6 standardized confiscation report form to be used by all law enforcement

7 agencies with specific instructions and guidelines concerning the type and

8 monetary value of all real or personal property, including weapons, to be

9 included in the confiscation report and forwarded to the office of the local

10 prosecuting attorney and the Human Trafficking Coordinator under subdivision

11 (b)(5) of this section.

12

13  5-5-607. Initiation of forfeiture proceedings -- Notice to claimants --

14 Judicial proceedings.

15  (a)(1) A prosecuting attorney shall initiate a forfeiture proceeding

16 under this subchapter by filing a complaint with the circuit clerk of the

17 county where the real or personal property was seized and by serving the

18 complaint on all known owners and interest holders of the seized property in

19 accordance with the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

20  (2) The complaint may be based on in rem or in personam

21 jurisdiction but shall not be filed in such a way as to avoid the

22 distribution requirements set forth in � 5-5-609.

23  (3) The prosecuting attorney shall mail a copy of the complaint

24 to the Human Trafficking Coordinator within five (5) calendar days after

25 filing the complaint.

26  (4) The complaint shall include a copy of the confiscation

27 report and shall be filed within sixty (60) days after receiving a copy of

28 the confiscation report from the seizing law enforcement agency.

29  (5) In a case involving real property, the complaint shall be

30 filed within sixty (60) days of the defendant's conviction on the charge

31 giving rise to the forfeiture.

32  (6)(A) The complaint may be filed after the expiration of the

33 time set forth in subdivision (b)(1) of this section only if the complaint is

34 accompanied by a statement of good cause for the late filing.

35  (B) However, in no event shall the complaint be filed more

36 than one hundred twenty (120) days after either the date of the seizure or,

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1 in a case involving real property, the date of the defendant's conviction.

2                     (C)(i) If the circuit court determines that good cause has

3 not been established, the circuit court shall order that the seized real or

4 personal property be returned to the owner or interest holder.

5                          (ii) In addition to the requirements in subdivision

6 (a)(6)(C)(i) of this section, real or personal property seized but not

7 subject to forfeiture under this subchapter or subject to disposition

8 pursuant to law or the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure may be ordered

9 returned to the owner or interest holder.

10                         (iii) If the owner or interest holder cannot be

11 determined, the court may order disposition of the real or personal property

12 as provided in � 5-5-608.

13      (b)(1) Subject to the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, a defendant

14 who was arrested for an offense in violation of the Human Trafficking Act of

15 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq. shall file with the circuit clerk an answer to the

16 complaint that shall include:

17                    (A) A statement describing the seized real or personal

18 property and the owner's or interest holder's interest in the seized real or

19 personal property, with supporting documents to establish the owner's or

20 interest holder's interest;

21                    (B) A certification by the owner or interest holder

22 stating that he or she has read the answer and that it is not filed for any

23 improper purpose;

24                    (C) A statement setting forth any defense to forfeiture;

25 and

26                    (D) The address at which the owner or interest holder

27 accepts mail.

28           (2) Subject to the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, a

29 defendant who is a third party who was not arrested for an offense giving

30 rise to a forfeiture action under this subchapter shall file an answer to the

31 complaint with the circuit clerk within forty-five (45) days of service of

32 process.

33      (c)(1) If the owner or interest holder fails to file an answer as

34 required by subsection (b) of this section, the prosecuting attorney may move

35 for default judgment pursuant to the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

36           (2) If a timely answer is filed:

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1                    (A) By a defendant who was arrested for an offense giving

2 rise to the forfeiture action under this section, the prosecuting attorney

3 shall prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the seized real or

4 personal property should be forfeited; or

5                    (B) By a third party who was not arrested for an offense

6 giving rise to the forfeiture action, the prosecuting attorney shall prove by

7 clear and convincing evidence that the seized real or personal property

8 should be forfeited.

9   (3)(A) After the prosecuting attorney has presented proof under

10 subdivision (c)(2) of this section, any owner or interest holder of the real

11 or personal property seized may present evidence why the seized real or

12 personal property should not be forfeited.

13                   (B) If the circuit court determines that grounds for

14 forfeiting the seized real or personal property exist and that no defense to

15 forfeiture has been established by the owner or interest holder, the circuit

16 court shall enter an order under � 5-5-608.

17                   (C) If the circuit court determines that the prosecuting

18 attorney has failed to establish that grounds for forfeiture of the seized

19 real or personal property exist or that the owner or interest holder has

20 established a defense to the forfeiture, the court shall order that the

21 seized real or personal property be immediately returned to the owner or

22 interest holder.

23

24  5-5-608. Final disposition.

25  (a) When a circuit court having jurisdiction over real or personal

26 property seized under this subchapter finds that grounds for a forfeiture

27 exist and the burden of proof has been met under � 5-5-607, the circuit court

28 shall enter an order:

29  (1) Permitting the law enforcement agency or prosecuting

30 attorney to retain the seized personal property for law enforcement or

31 prosecutorial purposes subject to subsection (b) of this section;

32  (2) Directing the retaining law enforcement agency or

33 prosecuting attorney to sell at public sale, under � 5-5-101(e) and (f), the

34 seized real or personal property that is not required by law to be destroyed

35 and that is not harmful to the public; or

36  (3) Transferring a motor vehicle to a school district for use in

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1 a driver education course.

2         (b)(1) Seized personal property that is retained by the law

3 enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney under subdivision (a)(1) of this

4 section shall not be retained for official use for more than two (2) years,

5 unless the circuit court finds that the seized property has been used for law

6 enforcement or prosecutorial purposes and authorizes continued use for those

7 purposes on an annual basis.

8         (2) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, no

9 later than two (2) years after entry of an order under subdivision (a)(1) of

10 this section, the seized personal property shall be sold as provided in

11 subdivision (a)(2) of this section, and the proceeds shall be deposited:

12                  (A) Eighty percent (80%) into the human trafficking

13 control fund of the retaining law enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney;

14 and

15                  (B) Twenty percent (20%) into the State Treasury as

16 special revenues to be credited to the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council

17 Support Fund.

18        (3) The retaining law enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney

19 may sell the retained seized personal property at any time during the time

20 allowed for retention, and the proceeds of the sale shall be distributed as

21 set forth in subdivisions (b)(2)(A) and (B) of this section.

22        (4) If the circuit court determines that retained seized

23 personal property has been used for personal use or by non-law enforcement

24 personnel for non-law enforcement purposes, the circuit court shall order the

25 seized personal property to be sold at public sale under � 5-5-101(e) and

26 (f), and the proceeds shall be deposited into the State Treasury as special

27 revenues to be credited to the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support

28 Fund.

29        (5)(A) A law enforcement agency may use seized personal property

30 or money if the circuit court's order specifies that the seized personal

31 property or money may be retained for official use by the prosecuting

32 attorney, county sheriff, chief of police, Division of Arkansas State Police,

33 or Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas Department of

34 Transportation.

35                  (B) If the circuit court's order specifies that the seized

36 personal property or money may be retained for official use, the prosecuting

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1 attorney, county sheriff, chief of police, Division of Arkansas State Police,

2 or Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas Department of

3 Transportation shall:

4                          (i) Maintain an inventory of the seized personal

5 property or money;

6                          (ii) Be accountable for the seized personal property

7 or money; and

8                          (iii) Be subject to the provisions of � 5-5-606(c)

9 with respect to the seized personal property or money.

10            (6) Any weapon not retained for official use shall be disposed

11 of in accordance with state and federal law.

12  (c) Disposition of seized real or personal property under this section

13 is subject to the need to retain the seized real or personal property as

14 evidence in any related proceeding.

15  (d) Within three (3) business days of the entry of an order, the

16 circuit clerk shall forward to the Human Trafficking Coordinator copies of

17 the confiscation report, the circuit court's order, and any other

18 documentation detailing the disposition of the seized real or personal

19 property.

20

21  5-5-609. Disposition of moneys received.

22  (a)(1) Subject to the provisions of � 5-5-606, the proceeds of sales

23 conducted pursuant to � 5-5-608 and any moneys forfeited or obtained by

24 judgment or settlement under this subchapter shall be deposited and

25 distributed in the manner set forth in this section.

26            (2) Moneys received from a federal forfeiture shall be deposited

27 and distributed under subsection (f) of this section.

28  (b) The proceeds of any sale and any moneys forfeited or obtained by

29 judgment or settlement under this subchapter shall be deposited into the

30 asset forfeiture fund of the prosecuting attorney and is subject to the

31 following provisions:

32            (1) During a calendar year, if the the aggregate amount of

33 moneys deposited into the asset forfeiture fund exceeds twenty thousand

34 dollars ($20,000) per county, within fourteen (14) days of the time of the

35 excess the prosecuting attorney shall notify the circuit judges in the

36 judicial district and the Human Trafficking Coordinator;

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1          (2) After the notification required under subdivision (b)(1) of

2 this section, twenty percent (20%) of the proceeds of any additional sale and

3 any additional moneys forfeited or obtained by judgment or settlement under

4 this subchapter in the same calendar year shall be deposited into the State

5 Treasury as special revenues to be credited to the Arkansas Human Trafficking

6 Council Support Fund, and the remainder shall be deposited into the asset

7 forfeiture fund of the prosecuting attorney;

8          (3) Failure of the prosecuting attorney to comply with the

9 notification requirement under subdivision (b)(1) of this section renders the

10 prosecuting attorney and any entity eligible to receive forfeited moneys or

11 property from the prosecuting attorney ineligible to receive forfeited moneys

12 or property, except as provided in � 5-5-606; and

13         (4) Twenty percent (20%) of any moneys in excess of twenty

14 thousand dollars ($20,000) that have been retained but not reported as

15 required by subdivision (b)(1) of this section are subject to recovery for

16 deposit into the State Treasury as special revenues to be credited to the

17 Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

18         (c)(1) The prosecuting attorney shall administer expenditures from the

19 asset forfeiture fund, which is subject to audit by Arkansas Legislative

20 Audit.

21         (2) Moneys distributed from the asset forfeiture fund shall only

22 be used for law enforcement and prosecutorial purposes and moneys in the

23 asset forfeiture fund shall be distributed in the following order:

24         (A) For satisfaction of any bona fide security interest or

25 lien;

26         (B) For payment of any proper expense of the proceeding

27 for forfeiture and sale, including expenses of seizure, maintenance of

28 custody, advertising, and court costs;

29         (C) Any balance under two hundred fifty thousand dollars

30 ($250,000) shall be distributed proportionally to reflect generally the

31 contribution of the appropriate local or state law enforcement or

32 prosecutorial agency's participation in any activity that led to the seizure

33 or forfeiture of the property or deposit of moneys under this subchapter; and

34         (D) Any balance over two hundred fifty thousand dollars

35 ($250,000) resulting from the seizure or forfeiture of property or deposit of

36 moneys under this subchapter shall be forwarded to the Human Trafficking

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1 Coordinator to be transferred to the State Treasury for deposit into the

2 Arkansas Human Trafficking Support Fund.

3          (d)(1) For a forfeiture in an amount greater than two hundred fifty

4 thousand dollars ($250,000) from which expenses are paid for a proceeding for

5 forfeiture and sale under subdivision (c)(2)(B) of this section, an itemized

6 accounting of the expenses shall be delivered to the Human Trafficking

7 Coordinator within ten (10) calendar days after the payment of the expenses.

8          (2) The itemized accounting shall include the expenses paid, to

9 whom paid, and for what purposes the expenses where paid.

10         (e)(1)(A) There is created on the books of each law enforcement agency

11 and prosecuting attorney a human trafficking control fund.

12         (B) The human trafficking control fund shall consist of

13 any moneys obtained under subsection (b) of this section and any other

14 revenue as may be provided by law or ordinance.

15         (C) Moneys in the human trafficking control fund:

16                         (i) May not supplant other local, state, or federal

17 funds;

18                         (ii) Are appropriated on a continuing basis and are

19 not subject to the Revenue Stabilization Law, � 19-5-101 et seq.; and

20                         (iii) Shall only be used for law enforcement and

21 prosecutorial purposes, including without limitation to provide a grant of up

22 to one thousand dollars ($1,000) to the family of a law enforcement officer

23 who dies in the prosecuting attorney's jurisdiction.

24         (D) The human trafficking control fund is subject to audit

25 by Arkansas Legislative Audit.

26         (2) A law enforcement agency and prosecuting attorney shall

27 submit to the Human Trafficking Coordinator on or before January 1 and July 1

28 of each year a report detailing any moneys received and expenditure made from

29 the human trafficking control fund during the preceding six-month period.

30         (f)(1) Any moneys received by a prosecuting attorney or law

31 enforcement agency from a federal forfeiture shall be deposited and

32 maintained in a separate account subject to the following provisions:

33         (A) Any balance over two hundred fifty thousand dollars

34 ($250,000) in the separate account shall be distributed as set forth in

35 subdivision (f)(2) of this section;

36         (B) No other moneys maybe maintained in the separate

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 account except for any interest income generated by the separate account;

2                   (C) Moneys in the separate account shall only be used for

3 law enforcement and prosecutorial purposes consistent with governing federal

4 law; and

5                   (D) The separate account is subject to audit by Arkansas

6 Legislative Audit.

7           (2) Any balance over two hundred fifty thousand dollars

8 ($250,000) shall be forwarded to the Division of Arkansas State Police to be

9 transferred to the State Treasury for deposit into the Human Trafficking

10 Council Support Fund in which the balance shall be maintained separately and

11 distributed consistent with governing federal law.

12

13  5-5-610. In personam proceedings.

14  (a) In personam jurisdiction may be based on a defendant's presence in

15 the state, or on his or her conduct in the state, as set out in � 16-4-

16 101(B), and is subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.

17  (b)(1) A temporary restraining order under this section may be entered

18 ex parte on application of the state, upon a showing that:

19                  (A) There is probable cause to believe that the property

20 with respect to which the order is sought is subject to forfeiture under this

21 section; and

22                  (B) Notice of the action would jeopardize the availability

23 of the property for forfeiture.

24          (2) Notice of the entry of a temporary restraining order and an

25 opportunity for a hearing shall be afforded to a person known to have an

26 interest in the real or personal property.

27          (3) A hearing under subdivision (b)(2) of this section shall be

28 held at the earliest possible date consistent with Rule 65 of the Arkansas

29 Rules of Civil Procedure and is limited to the issues of whether:

30                  (A) There is a probability that the state will prevail on

31 the issue of forfeiture and that failure to enter the temporary restraining

32 order will result in the real or personal property being destroyed, conveyed,

33 alienated, encumbered, disposed of, received, removed from the jurisdiction

34 of the circuit court, concealed, or otherwise made unavailable for

35 forfeiture; and

36                  (B) The need to preserve the availability of real or

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 personal property through the entry of the temporary restraining order

2 outweighs the hardship on any owner or interest holder against whom the

3 temporary restraining order is to be entered.

4   (c) The state has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the

5 evidence to show that the defendant's real or personal property is subject to

6 forfeiture.

7   (d)(1) After a determination of liability of a person for conduct

8 giving rise to forfeiture under this subchapter, the circuit court shall

9 enter a judgment of forfeiture of the real or personal property subject to

10 forfeiture as alleged in the complaint and may authorize the prosecuting

11 attorney or any law enforcement officer to seize any real or personal

12 property subject to forfeiture under � 5-5-601 not previously seized or not

13 then under seizure.

14             (2) The order of forfeiture shall be consistent with � 5-5-608.

15             (3) In connection with the judgment, on application of the

16 state, the circuit court may enter any appropriate order to protect the

17 interest of the state in the forfeited property.

18  (e) Subsequent to the finding of liability and order of forfeiture,

19 the following procedures apply:

20             (1) The prosecuting attorney shall give notice of pending

21 forfeiture, in the manner provided in Rule 4 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil

22 Procedure, to any owner or interest holder who has not previously been given

23 notice;

24             (2) An owner of or interest holder in the real or personal

25 property that has been ordered forfeited and whose claim is not precluded may

26 file a claim within thirty (30) days after initial notice of pending

27 forfeiture or after notice under Rule 4 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil

28 Procedure, whichever is earlier; and

29             (3) The circuit court may amend the in personam order of

30 forfeiture if the circuit court determines that a claimant has established

31 that he or she has an interest in the real or personal property and that the

32 interest is exempt under � 5-5-602.

33

34  5-5-611. Forfeiture of absent, encumbered, or indivisible real or

35 personal property.

36  The circuit court shall order the forfeiture of any other real or

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 personal property of an owner or defendant up to the value of the owner's or

2 defendant's real or personal property found by the circuit court to be

3 subject to forfeiture under this subchapter if any of the forfeitable real or

4 personal property had remained under the control or custody of the owner or

5 defendant and the forfeitable real or personal property:

6            (1) Cannot be located;

7            (2) Was transferred or conveyed to, sold to, or deposited with a

8 third party;

9            (3) Is beyond the jurisdiction of the circuit court;

10           (4) Substantially diminished in value while not in the actual

11 physical custody of the seizing law enforcement agency;

12           (5) Was commingled with other property that cannot be divided

13 without difficulty; or

14           (6) Is subject to any interest exempted from forfeiture under �

15 5-5-602.

16

17  5-5-612. Conviction required -- Exceptions.

18  (a) There shall be no civil judgment under this subchapter and no

19 property shall be forfeited unless the person from whom the property is

20 seized is convicted of a felony offense under the Human Trafficking Act of

21 2013, � 5-18-101 et seq., that related to the property being seized and that

22 permits the forfeiture of the property.

23  (b) The court may waive the conviction requirement under this section

24 if the prosecuting attorney shows by clear and convincing evidence that,

25 before a conviction, the person from whom the property was seized:

26           (1) Died;

27           (2) Was deported by the United States Government;

28           (3) Was granted immunity or reduced punishment in exchange for

29 testifying or assisting a law enforcement agency or prosecution;

30           (4) Fled the jurisdiction or failed to appear on the underlying

31 criminal charge;

32           (5) Failed to answer the complaint for civil asset forfeiture

33 under � 5-64-505 as specified in the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure;

34  (6) Abandoned or disclaimed his or her ownership interest in the real

35 or personal property seized; or

36           (7) Agreed in writing with the prosecuting attorney and other

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                   SB442

1 parties as to the disposition of the real or personal property.

2

3   SECTION 5. Arkansas Code � 5-18-103(d)(2), concerning the additional

4 fine payment upon conviction for trafficking of persons, is amended to read

5 as follows:

6              (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (d)(1) of this

7 section shall be deposited as follows:

8              (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

9 Sexually Exploited Children; and

10             (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

11 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

12

13  SECTION 6. Arkansas Code � 5-18-104(c)(2), concerning the additional

14 fine payment upon conviction for patronizing a victim of human trafficking,

15 is amended to read as follows:

16             (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (c)(1) of this

17 section shall be deposited as follows:

18             (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

19 Sexually Exploited Children ; and

20             (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

21 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

22

23  SECTION 7. Arkansas Code � 5-18-106(c)(2), concerning the additional

24 fine payment upon conviction for grooming a minor for future sex trafficking,

25 is amended to read as follows:

26             (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (c)(1) of this

27 section shall be deposited as follows:

28             (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

29 Sexually Exploited Children; and

30             (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

31 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

32

33  SECTION 8. Arkansas Code � 5-18-107(f)(2), concerning the additional

34 fine payment upon conviction for traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex

35 act with a minor, is amended to read as follows:

36             (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (f)(1) of this

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 section shall be deposited as follows:

2   (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

3 Sexually Exploited Children; and

4   (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

5 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

6

7   SECTION 9. Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 27, Subchapter 2, is amended

8 to add an additional section to read as follows:

9   5-27-234. Harboring an endangered runaway minor.

10  (a) A person commits the offense of harboring an endangered runaway

11 minor if he or she knowingly harbors a minor who is an endangered runaway

12 minor for a period of at least seventy-two (72) hours.

13  (b) Harboring an endangered runaway minor is a:

14  (1) Class A misdemeanor for a first offense; and

15  (2) Class D felony for a second or subsequent offense.

16  (c)(1) In addition to any other sentence authorized by this section, a

17 person who violates this section upon conviction shall be ordered to pay a

18 fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

19  (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (c)(1) of this

20 section shall be deposited one hundred percent (100%) into the Arkansas Human

21 Trafficking Council Support Fund.

22  (d) As used in this section, "endangered runaway minor" means an

23 unemancipated minor who is voluntarily absent from his or her home for at

24 least seventy-two (72) hours without a compelling reason and without the

25 consent of his or her custodial parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

26  (e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section

27 that a person acted in good faith to protect the welfare, safety, or health

28 of the minor, and that he or she:

29  (1) Promptly notified law enforcement, child protective

30 services, or another relevant authority upon discovering that the minor was

31 an endangered runaway minor;

32  (2) Provided temporary care or shelter solely to protect the

33 minor from imminent harm; or

34  (3) Did not have a purpose to interfere with the lawful custody

35 or rights of a custodial parent or legal guardian of the minor.

36

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1      SECTION 10. Arkansas Code � 5-70-102(e)(2), concerning the additional

2 fine payment upon conviction for prostitution, is amended to read as follows:

3      (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (e)(1) of this

4 section shall be deposited as follows:

5      (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

6 Sexually Exploited Children; and

7      (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

8 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

9

10     SECTION 11. Arkansas Code � 5-70-103 is amended to read as follows:

11     5-70-103. Sexual solicitation.

12     (a) A person commits the offense of sexual solicitation if he or she:

13     (1) Offers or agrees to pay a fee to a person to engage in

14 sexual activity with him or her or another person; or

15     (2) Solicits or requests a person to engage in sexual activity

16 with him or her in return for a fee.

17     (b) Sexual solicitation is an unclassified misdemeanor with the

18 following sentences: a:

19     (1) For a first offense:

20     (A) No more than ninety (90) days' imprisonment;

21     (B) A fine of no more than two thousand dollars ($2,000);

22 or

23     (C) Both imprisonment and a fine; and

24     (2) For a second or subsequent offense:

25     (A) No more than one (1) year of imprisonment;

26     (B) A fine of no more than three thousand five hundred

27 dollars ($3,500); or

28     (C) Both imprisonment and a fine.

29     (1) Class A misdemeanor for a first offense; and

30     (2) Class D felony for a second or subsequent offense.

31     (c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section

32 that the person engaged in an act of sexual solicitation as a result of being

33 a victim of trafficking of persons, � 5-18-103.

34     (d)(1) In addition to any other sentence authorized by this section, a

35 person who violates this section by offering to pay, agreeing to pay, or

36 paying a fee to engage in sexual activity upon conviction shall be ordered to

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                  SB442

1 pay a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

2   (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (d)(1) of this

3 section shall be deposited as follows:

4   (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

5 Sexually Exploited Children; and

6   (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

7 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

8

9   SECTION 12. Arkansas Code � 5-70-104(c)(2), concerning the additional

10 fine payment upon conviction for promoting prostitution in the first degree,

11 is amended to read as follows:

12  (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (c)(1) of this

13 section shall be deposited as follows:

14  (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

15 Sexually Exploited Children; and

16  (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

17 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

18

19  SECTION 13. Arkansas Code � 5-70-105(c)(2), concerning the additional

20 fine payment upon conviction for promoting prostitution in the second degree,

21 is amended to read as follows:

22  (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (c)(1) of this

23 section shall be deposited as follows:

24  (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

25 Sexually Exploited Children; and

26  (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

27 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

28

29  SECTION 14. Arkansas Code � 5-70-106(c)(2), concerning the additional

30 fine payment upon conviction for promoting prostitution in the third degree,

31 is amended to read as follows:

32  (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (c)(1) of this

33 section shall be deposited as follows:

34  (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

35 Sexually Exploited Children; and

36  (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

2

3   SECTION 15. Arkansas Code � 5-70-107(e)(2), concerning the additional

4 fine payment upon conviction for sexual solicitation of a minor, is amended

5 to read as follows:

6               (2) Fine payments received under subdivision (e)(1) of this

7 section shall be deposited as follows:

8               (A) Fifty percent (50%) into the Safe Harbor Fund for

9 Sexually Exploited Children; and

10              (B) Fifty percent (50%) into the Human Trafficking Victim

11 Support Fund into the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund.

12

13  SECTION 16. Arkansas Code � 5-70-107, concerning the offense of sexual

14 solicitation of a minor, is amended to add an additional subsection to read

15 as follows:

16  (f) A person who violates this section upon conviction shall be

17 ordered to attend an education or treatment program for the prevention of sex

18 offenses and rehabilitation of sex offenders approved by the Human

19 Trafficking Operations Unit of the Division of Arkansas State Police.

20

21  Section 17. Arkansas Code � 12-19-101 is repealed.

22  12-19-101. State Task Force for the Prevention of Human Trafficking.

23  (a)(1) The Attorney General may establish a State Task Force for the

24 Prevention of Human Trafficking.

25              (2) The task force shall address all aspects of human

26 trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking of both United

27 States citizens and foreign nationals.

28  (b) If established, representatives on the task force shall be

29 appointed by the Attorney General and may include representatives from:

30              (1) The office of the Attorney General;

31              (2) The office of the Governor;

32              (3) The Department of Labor and Licensing;

33              (4) The Department of Health;

34              (5) The Department of Human Services;

35              (6) The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police;

36              (7) The Arkansas Sheriffs' Association;

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                SB442

1   (8) The Division of Arkansas State Police;

2   (9) The Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association;

3   (10) Local law enforcement; and

4   (11) Nongovernmental organizations such as:

5                 (A) Those specializing in the problems of human

6 trafficking;

7                 (B) Those representing diverse communities

8 disproportionally affected by human trafficking;

9                 (C) Agencies devoted to child services and runaway

10 services; and

11                (D) Academic researchers dedicated to the subject of human

12 trafficking.

13  (c) If the task force is created by the Attorney General, he or she

14 may invite federal agencies that operate in the state to be members of the

15 task force, including without limitation:

16  (1) The Federal Bureau of Investigation;

17  (2) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and

18  (3) The United States Department of Labor.

19  (d) If the task force is created by the Attorney General, the task

20 force shall:

21  (1) Develop a state plan;

22  (2) Coordinate the implementation of the state plan;

23  (3) Coordinate the collection and sharing of human trafficking

24 data among government agencies in a manner that ensures that the privacy of

25 victims of human trafficking is protected and that the data collection shall

26 respect the privacy of victims of human trafficking;

27  (4) Coordinate the sharing of information between agencies to

28 detect individuals and groups engaged in human trafficking;

29  (5) Explore the establishment of state policies for time limits

30 for the issuance of law enforcement agency endorsements as described in 8

31 C.F.R. � 214.11(f)(1), as it existed on January 1, 2013;

32  (6) Establish policies to enable state government to work with

33 nongovernmental organizations and other elements of the private sector to

34 prevent human trafficking and provide assistance to victims of human

35 trafficking who are United States citizens or foreign nationals;

36  (7) Evaluate various approaches used by state and local

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 governments to increase public awareness of human trafficking, including

2 trafficking of United States citizens and foreign national victims;

3             (8) Develop curriculum and train law enforcement agencies,

4 prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and others involved in the criminal

5 and juvenile justice systems on:

6                    (A) Offenses under the Human Trafficking Act of 2013, � 5-

7 18-101 et seq.;

8                    (B) Methods used in identifying victims of human

9 trafficking who are United States citizens or foreign nationals, including

10 preliminary interview techniques and appropriate questioning methods;

11                   (C) Methods for prosecuting human traffickers;

12                   (D) Methods of increasing effective collaboration with

13 nongovernmental organizations and other relevant social service organizations

14 in the course of investigating and prosecuting a human trafficking case;

15                   (E) Methods for protecting the rights of victims of human

16 trafficking, taking into account the need to consider human rights and

17 special needs of women and minors;

18                   (F) The necessity of treating victims of human trafficking

19 as crime victims rather than criminals; and

20                   (G) Methods for promoting the safety of victims of human

21 trafficking; and

22            (9) Submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the

23 Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro

24 Tempore of the Senate.

25  SECTION 18. Arkansas Code Title 12, Chapter 19, is amended to add an

26 additional subchapter to read as follows:

27            Subchapter 2 -- Human Trafficking Operations Unit

28

29  12-19-201. Human Trafficking Operations Unit -- Creation -- Duties.

30  (a) There is established a Human Trafficking Operations Unit within

31 the Division of Arkansas State Police.

32  (b) The Human Trafficking Operations Unit shall:

33            (1) Consist of commissioned officers and analysts of the

34 division;

35            (2) Support and initiate criminal investigations of human

36 trafficking, including sex trafficking and forced labor; and

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1   (3) Support and initiate investigations involving missing

2 children that are considered high-risk victims.

3

4   12-19-202. Human Trafficking Coordinator -- Creation -- Duties.

5   (a) There is created the position of Human Trafficking Coordinator

6 within the Division of Arkansas State Police.

7   (b) The Human Trafficking Coordinator shall:

8   (1) Coordinate the implementation of this subchapter;

9   (2) Serve as a commissioned officer within the Division of

10 Arkansas State Police and perform duties as assigned;

11  (3) Supervise the Human Trafficking Operations Unit and Human

12 Trafficking Analyst;

13  (4) Evaluate state efforts to combat human trafficking and

14 identify areas for improvement;

15  (5) Collect data on human trafficking activity within the state

16 on an ongoing basis, including types of activities reported, efforts to

17 combat human trafficking, and impact on victims and on the state;

18  (6) Redact identifying information of any victim and his or her

19 family from all publicly released portions of the collected data;

20  (7) Promote public awareness about human trafficking, remedies

21 and services for victims, and hotline information;

22  (8) Create and maintain a website to publicize human trafficking

23 prevention efforts;

24  (9) Prepare and submit the annual report of the Human

25 Trafficking Operations Unit to the Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee of

26 the Legislative Council, the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth,

27 and the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and

28 Military Affairs;

29  (10) Develop and implement policies pertaining to the use of the

30 Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund to support investigations and

31 services for victims of human trafficking in the state;

32  (11) Assist in the creation and operations of local human

33 trafficking task forces or working groups around the state, including serving

34 on a task force or a multidisciplinary child protection team;

35  (12) Prepare and submit applications for relevant available

36 grants that may enhance the investigation and prosecution of trafficking

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 offenses or to improve victim services to combat human trafficking within

2 this state; and

3   (13) Perform any other duties as required by the division.

4   (c)(1) The Human Trafficking Coordinator may seek input and assistance

5 from state agencies, nongovernmental agencies, service providers, and other

6 individuals in the performance of the duties of the Human Trafficking

7 Coordinator.

8   (2) Each state agency, board, and commission shall be required

9 to fully cooperate with the Human Trafficking Coordinator when assistance is

10 requested under subdivision (c)(1) of this section.

11  (3) Every investigation of a human trafficking offense shall be

12 reported to the Human Trafficking Coordinator by the initiating law

13 enforcement agency under guidelines established by the Human Trafficking

14 Coordinator.

15  (4) A state agency, nongovernmental agency, service provider, or

16 local or state law enforcement agency providing information to the Human

17 Trafficking Coordinator under this subchapter may disclose identifying

18 information regarding a minor victim to the Human Trafficking Coordinator for

19 the purposes of evaluating and collecting data regarding trafficking offenses

20 in the state.

21

22  12-19-203. Human Trafficking Analyst -- Creation -- Duties.

23  (a) There is created the position of Human Trafficking Analyst within

24 the Division of Arkansas State Police.

25  (b) The Human Trafficking Analyst shall:

26  (1) Provide the Human Trafficking Operations Unit with

27 objective, reliable, comparable, current data, and information in the field

28 of human trafficking;

29  (2) Direct support to a law enforcement officer investigating

30 human trafficking on all tips, reports of possible human trafficking, and

31 undercover operations; and

32  (3) Assist the Human Trafficking Coordinator with carrying out

33 the functions of the Human Trafficking Operations Unit.

34

35  SECTION 19. Arkansas Code � 19-5-1252(b) concerning the Safe Harbor

36 Fund for Sexually Exploited Children, is amended to read as follows:

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1   (b) The fund shall consist of fines collected under � 5-18-103(d), � 5-

2 18-104(c), � 5-18-106(c), � 5-18-107(f), � 5-70-102(e), � 5-70-103(d), � 5-

3 70-104(c), � 5-70-105(c), � 5-70-106(c), and � 5-70-107(e) and any other

4 general revenues as may be authorized by law.

5

6   SECTION 20. Arkansas Code � 19-5-1261 is repealed.

7   19-5-1261. Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund -- Definition.

8   (a) There is created on the books of the Treasurer of State, the

9 Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State a fund to be

10 known as the "Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund".

11  (b) The fund shall consist of fees collected under � 5-5-501(d), fines

12 collected under � 5-18-103(d), � 5-18-104(c), � 5-18-106(c), � 5-18-107(f), �

13 5-70-102(e), � 5-70-103(d), � 5-70-104(c), � 5-70-105(c), � 5-70-106(c), and

14 � 5-70-107(e), and any other revenues authorized by law.

15  (c)(1) The fund shall be administered by the Attorney General.

16              (2) The Attorney General shall use the fund to provide:

17              (A) Grants to nonprofit, religious, and other third-party

18 organizations that provide services and treatment, such as securing

19 residential housing, health services, and social services for victims of

20 human trafficking;

21              (B) Training and education related to human trafficking to

22 law enforcement; and

23              (C) For the management and operation of the fund.

24  (d) As used in this section, "victim of human trafficking" means a

25 person who has been subject to sexual exploitation because the person:

26              (1) Is a victim of trafficking of persons under � 5-18-103;

27              (2) Is a victim of child sex trafficking under 18 U.S.C. � 1591,

28 as it existed on January 1, 2017; or

29              (3) Engages in an act of prostitution under � 5-70-102 or sexual

30 solicitation under � 5-70-103 or � 5-70-107.

31

32  SECTION 21. Arkansas Code Title 19, Chapter 5, Subchapter 12, is

33 amended to add an additional section to read as follows:

34  19-5-1288. Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund --

35 Definition.

36  (a) There is created on the books of the Treasurer of State, the

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                                                    SB442

1 Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State a miscellaneous

2 fund to be known as the "Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund".

3        (b) The fund shall consist of:

4        (1) Fees collected under � 5-5-501(d) and fines collected under

5 �� 5-18-103(d), 5-18-104(c), 5-18-106(c), 5-18-107(f), 5-27-234(c), 5-70-

6 102(e), 5-70-103(d), 5-70-104(c), 5-70-105(c), 5-70-106(c), and 5-70-107(e);

7        (2) Moneys appropriated by the General Assembly;

8        (3) The interest accruing to the fund;

9        (4) Donations to the fund; and

10       (5) Any other revenues authorized by law.

11       (c)(1) The fund shall be administered by the Division of Arkansas

12 State Police.

13       (2) The division shall use the fund to provide:

14                (A) Services and treatment, such as securing residential

15 housing, advocacy and coordination, legal services, health services, and

16 social services for victims of human trafficking;

17                (B) Grants to nonprofit, religious, and other third-party

18 organizations that provide services and treatment, securing residential

19 housing, advocacy and coordination, legal services, health services, and

20 social services for victims of human trafficking;

21                (C) Training for the Human Trafficking Operations Unit;

22                (D) Equipment and supplies for the unit;

23                (E) Software and subscription licensing for the unit;

24                (F) Travel reimbursement and reconciliation for the unit;

25                (G) Outreach material for the unit; and

26                (H) Support for other duties of the unit prescribed by

27 law.

28       (3) The fund shall not be used to purchase motor vehicles or

29 emergency equipment for motor vehicles.

30       (d) As used in the section, "victim of human trafficking" means the

31 same as defined in � 5-18-102.

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33       SECTION 22. DO NOT CODIFY. Temporary language.

34       (a) Any fund balance that remains in the Human Trafficking Victim

35 Support Fund, � 19-5-1261, shall be transferred to the Arkansas Human

36 Trafficking Council Support Fund.

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    As Engrossed: S4/1/25                SB442

1   (b) Any fund balance that remains in the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually

2 Exploited Children, � 19-5-1252, shall be transferred to the Arkansas Human

3 Trafficking Council Support Fund.

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5                          /s/J. Bryant

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Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.