Sex trafficking bill approved during special session

The House and Senate have finished one third of the items on the agenda for the special session that began on Wednesday. Members expected fast action on the bill strengthening the state’s laws against Sex Crimes.

The Senate first passed the measure Thursday. The House then concurred with the single five-word change to the bill that they had already passed during the regular session.

That change on the Senate floor made human trafficking illegal within the state. Anchorage Republican Senator Lesil McGuire said the entire bill was directed at protecting children.

“Our most valuable resources are our children,” said McQuire. “And if we don’t protect their souls and their spirits, we don’t have anything.”

The bill recognizes children as victims by not immediately classifying them as prostitutes. It cracks down on forced prostitution and on pornography. It makes having sex with an underage person a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

“We don’t tolerate preying on our most innocent victims,” said McQuire. “If you are out there listening, we’re going to come get ya.”

The bill drew no opposing votes in either the House or the Senate and now goes to the governor for his action.

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