OklahomaHB 1886Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Human trafficking; creating the Oklahoma Human Trafficking Justice for Victims and Advocacy Act of 2025; increasing penalties for certain unlawful act; codification; effective date.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Trafficked minors get protection, not charges

Beginning November 1, 2025, if officers or juvenile workers reasonably suspect a child is a trafficking victim who needs protection, they must take protective custody and notify DHS. The child gets emergency social services, medical exams, and a mental‑health check. The child stays in DHS custody during the investigation, but no longer than two judicial days before a show‑cause hearing. Minors are not processed for juvenile delinquency or child‑in‑need‑of‑supervision for prostitution or other misdemeanor or nonviolent felony acts that happened because they were trafficked.

Restitution and lawsuits repay victims

Beginning November 1, 2025, courts must order convicted traffickers to pay restitution. Defendants must also pay for a psychological evaluation and any needed counseling by licensed providers. Victims can sue in district court for actual and punitive damages and for attorney fees and costs, even without a criminal case. The time limit to sue starts at the later of emancipation, the 21st birthday, or when the victim discovers the trafficking and the defendant’s role.

More help and rights for victims

Beginning November 1, 2025, victims get prompt shelter, safe housing, food, medical care, and counseling. They get legal help, translation, privacy protections, and a written notice of their rights and services. Victims are not treated as criminals for acts that result from being trafficked. The Attorney General may set up a statewide emergency hotline if funded. Any peace officer who meets a victim must give the hotline number and a written list of rights.

Harsher prison terms for traffickers

Beginning November 1, 2025, penalties for trafficking a minor rise to at least 10 years, up to life, or life without parole, and fines up to $250,000. Anyone convicted of human trafficking must serve 85% of the sentence before parole or credits. Sentences cannot be suspended, deferred, or replaced with probation. Certain achievement earned credits may still apply under state rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Stan May
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Christi Gillespie
Republican • Senate
Marilyn Stark
Republican • House
Max Wolfley
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 245 • No: 0

House vote • 5/21/2025

FOURTH READING

Yes: 90 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 44 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Committee vote: Judiciary

Yes: 8 • No: 0

House vote • 3/27/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 87 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 2/11/2025