Good Bills
Sponsor: Rep. Scott Bottoms (R-Colorado Springs)
The bill changes human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude from a Class 2 felony under C.R.S. 18-3-504 to a Class 1 felony. Courts must sentence persons convicted of this felony to life imprisonment without possibility of parole. The legislation adds trading anything of monetary value to buy or sell sexual activity with a minor the person knows is being trafficked as an act constituting the offense.
Current law classifies Class 1 felonies as murder under C.R.S. 18-3-102 and treason under C.R.S. 18-11-101. The bill adds human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude to Class 1 classification with mandatory life imprisonment.
Class 2 felonies currently carry sentences from eight to 24 years with three years mandatory parole. Courts may sentence Class 2 felons to probation in some circumstances. The bill eliminates sentencing discretion for human trafficking of minors for sexual servitude.
The fiscal note projects increased prison operating costs but notes uncertainty in estimating how many additional offenders will receive life sentences versus current Class 2 sentences. Representative Bottoms stated the mandatory minimum targets buyers creating demand for child trafficking.
House Judiciary heard the bill Tuesday, February 10. Representative Bottoms serves on Judiciary Committee and represents Colorado Springs.
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