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HB 7649

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNIFORM ACT ON PREVENTION OF AND REMEDIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island adopts uniform human trafficking prevention law standardizing criminal offenses, victim protections, and interstate enforcement coordination against traffickers and exploitation.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7649

Legislative bill overview

HB 7649 adopts Rhode Island's version of the Uniform Act on Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking, which standardizes state laws against human trafficking and establishes consistent legal frameworks across jurisdictions. The bill creates or clarifies criminal offenses related to human trafficking, trafficking of minors, and related exploitation offenses, while also establishing victim remedies and support mechanisms.

Why is this important

Human trafficking is a serious federal crime with significant state-level implementation gaps; standardizing Rhode Island law with the Uniform Act ensures consistency with other states, improving interstate law enforcement cooperation and victim protection. Establishing clear statutory language and victim remedies strengthens prosecution of traffickers and provides clearer legal recourse for survivors who may pursue civil claims.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "trafficking" and labor exploitation: Disagreement over what constitutes human trafficking versus voluntary labor arrangements, particularly regarding debt bondage and coercion thresholds
  • Victim protections vs. criminal liability: Debate over immunity provisions for trafficking victims who may have committed crimes under coercion, and whether such protections are too broad or too narrow
  • Resource allocation: Concerns about funding requirements for victim services, law enforcement training, and prosecution resources needed to implement the uniform standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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