Another Tool to Fight Human Trafficking

A bill aimed at helping the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking has been approved by the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.

Recognizing the proliferation of sex trafficking, Senate Bill 45 moves most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code. It also enhances the penalties for several of those offenses and places them under the jurisdiction of the Office of Attorney General, giving it the ability to better combat prostitution and human trafficking across the Commonwealth.

The bill has been a top priority for the bipartisan, bicameral PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus. The caucus aims to advance legislation to combat the crime and support victims, as well as educate elected officials and others about the signs of trafficking.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.