PROSECUTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SB 32 extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking cases to six years from when the crime is reported to law enforcement. It increases the age of protection for victims of child sexual exploitation by prostitution from 16 to 18 years, making it a crime to profit from children under 18 in such acts. The bill adds human trafficking and child exploitation victims to the Victims of Crime Act, defines "harm" to include psychological and financial impacts, and prohibits reduced sentences for human trafficking convictions. These changes directly affect victims, prosecutors, and defendants in human trafficking cases across New Mexico.