Publication Date

December 9, 2021

Press Release

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The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) wrote a letter to the American Law Institute (ALI) urging them to reject proposed changes to Section 213 of the Model Penal Code (MPC) that would weaken the ability of states to prosecute sexual assault, abuse, exploitation, and trafficking crimes; jeopardize the safety of victims of these crimes; and restrict the ability of law enforcement to protect the general public from recidivist behavior.

The proposed changes being considered by the ALI would weaken laws against human trafficking and sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation. The changes to the MPC regarding sex trafficking deviate from most state laws and federal statutes while disregarding the effect such changes would have on sex trafficking victims. The modifications would also relax the sex offender registry, posing a greater risk to the public, especially children.

Lead States

Hawaii, Mississippi

Signatory States

AK, AR, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, GU, HI, IA, ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WV