Human trafficking is a form of slavery that often involves making money off the sexual exploitation of children. These atrocities take place right here in Iowa.
Human trafficking is thought to be the fastest growing and one of the most lucrative endeavors of organized crime. According to the Polaris Project, the total number of human trafficking victims in the United States reaches into the hundreds of thousands each year. Many of the victims are run-away teenage girls, who are forced into prostitution.
In response, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved SSB 3169, which aims to help law enforcement combat human trafficking and to provide assistance to victims. The legislation imposes a $1,000 criminal surcharge on anyone who purchases or offers to purchase the services of a prostitute, those who lure or force others into prostitution, and those convicted of human trafficking. The money will go toward efforts to combat human trafficking, including resources for victims and educating Iowans about this horrific crime.
In addition, the bill gives law enforcement new tools to fight human trafficking by:
• Extending the statute of limitations for sexual exploitation of minors from three years to 10 years.
• Giving authority to the Iowa’s Attorney General to request a court order to intercept communications relating to felony human trafficking.
• Clarifying that enticing a minor can be done through any medium, including all forms of communication.
To learn more about human trafficking, go to www.polarisproject.org.
