Human Trafficking, Transporting, and Harboring Amendments

HB 200 increases penalties for transporting or harboring aliens when the victim is under 13 years old, elevating some offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. It expands victims' legal rights by allowing lawsuits for "aggravated exploitation of prostitution involving a child" under human trafficking laws and gives Utah's attorney general authority to sue suspected traffickers. The bill also clarifies that providing humanitarian aid (like medical care or housing) through religious or charitable organizations isn’t a violation. It directly affects victims of trafficking - especially children - and law enforcement prosecuting these offenses. No new funding is allocated, and existing protections for public benefits remain unchanged.