COLUMBUS—Today,
the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 262, which requires
that a minor who is a victim of trafficking in persons be provided with
appropriate services. These services include developing procedures for
reuniting the minor with the family members in the minor’s country of
origin, developing procedures for administering special physical and
mental healthcare to the victim, and taking necessary action to promote
awareness of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline in
areas of high visibility and high trafficking activity.
This bill is designed to protect victims of human trafficking
from criminal prosecution, focusing prosecution efforts on human
traffickers. This legislation will exempt minor victims of trafficking
from the offense of solicitation if the crime is committed under duress
or coercion. This bill is a follow up to Senate Bill 235, which
increased penalties for human trafficking, passed during the previous
General Assembly.
“This
legislation plays a vital role in Ohio’s defense against human
trafficking,” said House Speaker William G. Batchelder. “Human
trafficking has been on the rise in recent years, specifically in Ohio,
and it is important that we are implementing the necessary safeguards to
ensure both that our children are safe in their own neighborhoods and
that these criminals are prosecuted accordingly.”
Ohio
is a prime location for trafficking because of its highway system and
access to international airports. There have been cases of human
trafficking reported in every county in the state.
H.B. 262 passed with unanimous support in the House and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
</blockquote>
