DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — A bill imposing harsher punishments on those convicted of human trafficking in Alabama has been signed into law.

House Bill 42, also known as ‘The Sound of Freedom Act,’ will establish an automatic sentence of life imprisonment for those who are found guilty of trafficking a minor.

According to the bill, the defendant does not have to know the exact age of the minor, and they cannot enter a legal defense where they claim they mistook the victim’s age.

The bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate, and Governor Kay Ivey signed it into law on Wednesday afternoon.

“Human trafficking of minors is one of the most heinous and heart-wrenching crimes in America, and because the most defenseless among us are the victims, those found guilty should face the harshest penalties,” said Gov. Ivey.

A release from the governor’s office revealed that with this bill, Alabama has the toughest anti-human trafficking laws in the United States.

The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Donna Given (R—District 64), has received exceptional support from state leaders and local ones.

Coffee-Pike County District Attorney James Tarbox openly supports the bill, saying it should deter those considering committing crimes like this.

“I think it’s important to impose stiff punishments for those who prey on children,” said Tarbox.

The bill will take effect on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.