New bill would penalize human traffickers to fullest extent
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A new bill filed in the Florida House aims to impose the harshest penalties on human traffickers.
House Bill 1283, filed by Rep. Berny Jacques, is strengthening Florida's fight to combat human trafficking and to penalize those who exploit children and vulnerable people.
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The bill would establish traffickers as a distinct criminal offense, allowing life imprisonment and the death penalty for those who are convicted of using physical force to traffic kids under 12 or those with severe mental incapacities, according to the Florida House of Representatives.
Rep. Jacques is pushing for the convicted offenders to be punished to the full extent of the law.
According to the bill, the Legislature finds human trafficking a form of modern-day slavery and destroys the innocence of young children. It also reads that traffickers have a 'culpable mental state of reckless indifference or disregard for human life.'
Once convicted, the court would conduct a separate sentencing to determine if the trafficker should be sentenced to death or spend their life in prison.
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'Human trafficking is one of the greatest evils of our time, and those who prey on the most vulnerable—especially children—must face the full force of justice,' Rep. Jacques said. 'This legislation makes it clear: Florida has zero tolerance for these crimes. We are protecting ourcommunities, standing up for victims, and ensuring that those who commit these horrific acts are punished to the fullest extent of the law.'
Rep. Jacques said this bill reinforces Florida's commitment to protect its most vulnerable citizens from sex trafficking.
If passed, this act would take effect on Oct. 1.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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