Human Trafficking Law on Table at State Capitol
By: Lisa Mendenhall
Updated: February 4, 2013
Many of them have been waiting for this week for years, hoping to see a plan take shape on the state level that would prosecute traffickers and protect victims .
The Arkansas Human Trafficking Act of 2013 will be up for discussion by lawmakers during a Tuesday Judiciary Committee Hearing for the House of Representatives.
After low rankings by national trafficking organizations -- legislators have spent the past two years revamping regulations and the law.
This bill outlines stiffer penalties for traffickers, allows seizure of assets -- hitting those who drive the industry in the pocketbook where it hurts.
But those who work on the victim recovery side like Louise Allison, a former victim herself, they're excited the bill includes damages for those who have been trafficked and that it reduces the risk of prosecution for victims.
Advocates believe the bill sends a message not only to traffickers but also those who can be helped.
"I would have loved as a kid when it was happening to me to know I had some place to go or something to do and that it was wrong and against the law and what was happening to me was wrong. I would be horrified if this happened to my daughter and I would my kids and my grand kids protected," said Allison, executive director of Partners Against Trafficking Humans.
The bill would also develop a human trafficking task force made up of elected officials, law enforcement, and advocates. It goes before the house judiciary committee tomorrow morning, we'll keep you updated on its progress.
The Arkansas Human Trafficking Act of 2013 will be up for discussion by lawmakers during a Tuesday Judiciary Committee Hearing for the House of Representatives.
After low rankings by national trafficking organizations -- legislators have spent the past two years revamping regulations and the law.
This bill outlines stiffer penalties for traffickers, allows seizure of assets -- hitting those who drive the industry in the pocketbook where it hurts.
But those who work on the victim recovery side like Louise Allison, a former victim herself, they're excited the bill includes damages for those who have been trafficked and that it reduces the risk of prosecution for victims.
Advocates believe the bill sends a message not only to traffickers but also those who can be helped.
"I would have loved as a kid when it was happening to me to know I had some place to go or something to do and that it was wrong and against the law and what was happening to me was wrong. I would be horrified if this happened to my daughter and I would my kids and my grand kids protected," said Allison, executive director of Partners Against Trafficking Humans.
The bill would also develop a human trafficking task force made up of elected officials, law enforcement, and advocates. It goes before the house judiciary committee tomorrow morning, we'll keep you updated on its progress.
