HB 7063 — Anti-human Trafficking
by Judiciary Committee and Rep. Overdorf and others (CS/CS/CS/SB 796 by Fiscal Policy Committee; Criminal Justice Committee; Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; and Senators Avila and Yarborough)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee (GO)
The bill makes several updates that relate to combatting human trafficking in Florida. The bill extends the repeal date of the direct-support organization for the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking to October 1, 2029. The bill replaces the National Human Trafficking Hotline with the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline in several sections. The bill also extends the date to January 1, 2025, by which:
- A person licensed or certified under several chapters must post a human trafficking public awareness sign.
- A massage establishment must implement a procedure for reporting suspected human trafficking to the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline.
- A public lodging establishment must post a human trafficking public awareness sign.
The bill requires a nongovernmental entity that enters into, renews, or extends a contract with a governmental entity to provide the governmental entity with an affidavit attesting that the nongovernmental entity does not use coercion for labor or services.
The bill prohibits a minor from being employed by an adult entertainment establishment in any role. The bill provides that an owner, manager, employee, or contractor of an adult entertainment establishment who knowingly employs, contracts with, contracts with another person to employ, or otherwise permits a person younger than 21 years of age to perform or work in an adult entertainment establishment, commits a first degree misdemeanor; one who employs, or otherwise permits a person younger than 21 years of age to perform or work nude commits a second degree felony. The bill also provides that an owner, manager, employee, or contractor of an adult entertainment establishment, that permits a person to perform as an entertainer or work in any capacity must carefully check the person’s driver license or other specified identification and act in good faith and in reliance upon the representation and appearance of the person in the belief that the person is 21 years of age or older. The bill does not allow ignorance of a person’s age or a person’s misrepresentation of his or her age as a defense in a prosecution for certain violations.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 35-3; House 104-3