The Senate Judiciary C meeting on May 28, 2025, focused on House Bill 163, which aims to enhance funding for services supporting victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The bill proposes amendments to the existing statute governing the Exploited Children's Special Fund, expanding its scope and increasing the number of offenses that would require perpetrators to pay a mandatory monetary assessment fee of $2,000.

The funds collected from these fees will be allocated to various victim services, with 25% designated for children's advocacy centers, another 25% for domestic violence shelters, and 50% for sexual assault centers. The administration of these funds will transition from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the Governor's Office on Human Trafficking.

Supporters of the bill, including representatives from the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Louisiana Family Forum, expressed their backing without wishing to speak during the meeting. The bill's sponsor emphasized its importance in sending a strong message about the state's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children and women, from violence and exploitation.

The meeting concluded with a clear indication of support for the bill, which aims to create a sustainable funding source for essential victim services while ensuring that law enforcement and district attorney offices will not lose any funding or court costs as a result of these changes.