Statutes | Tenn. Code Ann. ยง 39-13-314 | 2025
(a) As used in this part, unless the context otherwise indicates:
(1) "Human trafficking offense" means the commission of any act that constitutes the criminal offense of:
(A) Involuntary labor servitude, under § 39-13-307
(B) Trafficking persons for forced labor or services, under § 39-13-308
(C) Trafficking for commercial sex act, under § 39-13-309 or
(D) Promoting the prostitution of a minor, under § 39-13-512 and
(2) "Trafficked person" means a victim of a human trafficking offense.
(b) (1) A trafficked person may bring a civil action for actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, any combination of those or any other appropriate relief.
(2) A prevailing plaintiff is entitled to an award of attorneys fees and costs.
(c) Restitution under this section shall include items covered by the criminal injuries compensation fund under § 40-24-107 and any of the following, if not already covered by the courts restitution order:
(1) Costs of medical and psychological treatment, including physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, at the courts discretion
(2) Costs of necessary transportation, temporary housing, and child care, at the courts discretion
(3) Attorneys fees and other court-related costs such as victim advocate fees
(4) The greater of:
(A) The value of the victims labor as guaranteed under the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), compiled in 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq., or state equivalent or
(B) The gross income or value to the defendant of the victims labor or services or of any commercial sex acts engaged in by the victim while in the human trafficking situation
(5) Return of property, cost of damage to property, or full value of property if destroyed or damaged beyond repair
(6) Compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering
(7) (A) Expenses incurred by a victim and any household members or other family members in relocating away from the defendant or the defendants associates, including, but not limited to, deposits for utilities and telephone service, deposits for rental housing, temporary lodging and food expenses, clothing, and personal items
(B) Expenses incurred pursuant to subdivision (c)(7)(A) shall be verified by law enforcement to be necessary for the personal safety of the victim or household or family members, or by a mental health treatment provider to be necessary for the emotional well-being of the victim
(8) Repatriation of the victim to the victims home country, if applicable and
(9) Any and all other losses suffered by the victim as a result of human trafficking offenses.
(d) (1) A legal guardian, family member, representative of the trafficked person or court appointee may represent the trafficked person or the trafficked persons estate if deceased.
(2) If the trafficked person dies as a result of a human trafficking offense, a surviving spouse of the trafficked person is eligible for restitution. If no surviving spouse exists, restitution shall be paid to the trafficked persons issue or their descendants per stirpes. If no surviving spouse, issue, or descendants exist, restitution shall be paid to the trafficked persons estate.
(e) A person named in this section may not receive any funds from restitution if such person engaged in violations of a human trafficking offense.