Bill allocating state resources for sexually exploited children advances

A bill providing critical resources to children and law enforcement advances.

HB 1775 removes criminal penalties for children or youth engaged in prostitution and establishes two state resource facilities for sexually trafficked children and youth aged 18 or younger. If a law enforcement officer takes a juvenile into custody because the officer reasonably believes the juvenile may be a victim of sexual exploitation, the officer must transport the juvenile (or coordinate transportation) to an evaluation and treatment facility, including a receiving center, for an evaluation for behavioral health treatment.

Amendments made in committee clarify the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ (DCYF) role in providing these critical resources.

In order to be enacted, this bill requires the state to appropriate funds.

HB 1775 is now with the Senate Ways & Means Committee and awaits a vote of the full Senate.