West Lucas News

State Representatives Josh Williams and Nick Santucci have introduced the Human Trafficking Prevention Act in an effort to combat the rising cases of human trafficking in Ohio. The legislation aims to increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, kidnapping, and abduction.

Ohio currently ranks fourth in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking, with over 97% of these cases involving sex trafficking. Under current Ohio law, individuals convicted of human trafficking face a prison term of only 10 to 15 years.

Representative Santucci emphasized the urgency of addressing the human trafficking problem in Ohio, stating, "We have a human trafficking problem in Ohio. Our message is clear: if you’re involved in human trafficking and come to our state, we will find you and send you to prison for life." He believes that this legislation will hold accountable the "evil individuals" involved in human trafficking and bring justice to their victims.

The Ohio House has previously taken steps to combat human trafficking by recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 each year. This new legislation seeks to turn awareness into action by increasing penalties for offenders to a maximum term of life imprisonment.

Representative Williams expressed his belief that there is a moral duty to rescue victims of human trafficking and ensure that traffickers and abductors face an appropriate sentence that reflects the trauma they have caused. He stated, "I believe that we have a moral duty to rescue these victims and ensure that traffickers and abductors face an equitable sentence that reflects the trauma they have caused to the victims."

In addition to increasing penalties, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act will expand the application of penalties to include anyone under the age of 18, not just those who are 13 years of age or younger. If the victim is an adult, the legislation will increase the minimum prison term to fifteen years and the maximum term to life imprisonment. If the victim is a minor, the prison term would be increased to a minimum of twenty-five years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

The legislation is currently awaiting assignment to a House committee, signaling the commitment of Ohio lawmakers to address the pressing issue of human trafficking and protect the rights of its victims.