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(Alabama)– On Feb. 6, 2024, Alabama Representative Donna Givens introduced a new legislative proposal known as The Sound of Freedom Act, which aims to amend Section 13A-6-152, Code of Alabama 1975.
The proposed bill states:
Under existing law, human trafficking in the first degree is a Class A felony. This bill would provide that if the victim of human trafficking is a minor, the defendant shall be sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment.
Rep. Given has requested for the bill to become effective as of Oct. 1, 2024. Thus far, the House hasn’t voted on the proposed change.
Recent Human Trafficking Bust in Alabama
In Feb. 2024, authorities in Limestone Cty. arrested multiple men after each attempted to meet minors for immoral reasons.
In Dec. 2023, authorities in Montgomery Cty. arrested 15 men, including a correction officer in a human trafficking bust involving minors.
In June 2023, operation “Safe House” was executed by multiple counties in the state, resulting in the arrest of six men on charges involving minors.