§ 18-3-501. Legislative Declaration

1. The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
   1. Human trafficking constitutes a serious problem in Colorado and across the nation;
   2. Human trafficking is abhorrent to a civilized society and deserving of the most diligent response from the state;
   3. Human trafficking often involves minors who have been forced into involuntary servitude and commercial sexual activity;
   4. Human trafficking can take many forms but generally includes the use of physical abuse, threats of harm, or fear of other consequences to prevent victims from reporting the activity; and
   5. Human trafficking creates a cycle of violence, impacting victims, families, and communities.
2. The general assembly further finds and declares that:
   1. Legislation is required to combat this despicable practice, to make it easier to prosecute and punish persons who engage in human trafficking, and to protect the victims; and
   2. The general assembly supports a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking, which approach includes prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.
3. Now, therefore, the general assembly joins the federal government and other states around the nation in passing legislation in order to combat human trafficking and protect the victims.

Source: L. 2014: Entire part R&RE, (HB 14-1273), ch. 282, p. 1143, § 1, effective July 1.