Proposition 35 would significantly increase fines and prison terms for human trafficking.  Examples include raising the maximum prison term for labor trafficking from five years to twelve; raising it for forced sex trafficking of an adult from five years to twenty and for that of a child from eight years to life.  Maximum fines would rise from one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to one and a half million dollars ($1,500,000).

Prop 35 would expand the definition of sex trafficking.  For example, it would include such behavior as distributing or duplicating obscene matter depicting a child; this would not require any contact between the “trafficker” and the child. Convicted sexual traffickers would be required to register as sex offenders, reporting to local law enforcement entities.  They, and all registered sex offenders, would have to report detailed information about their internet access: their servers, screen names, user identities, and more.

Law enforcement officers engaged in field work or investigation would have to complete a two-hour training course, to help in identifying victims in ambiguous situations.

Some court procedures and rules of evidence would change.  Evidence of involvement in sexual acts caused by human trafficking could not be used to prosecute the victim.   Nor could it be used in court to challenge the victim’s credibility.

Seventy percent of revenues collected from fines imposed by Prop 35 would go to agencies and non-profit groups providing direct services to victims.  Thirty percent would be used for trafficking prevention, witness protection, and rescue operations.