Gov's Bill Protects Trafficking Victims

Press Release

Continuing his effort to protect children and others from serious crime, Governor Sean Parnell today transmitted a bill that makes it a crime for anyone to conspire to commit sex trafficking or human trafficking in the first degree.

"The crimes of sex trafficking and human trafficking are serious offenses which violate the most basic human rights and deprive victims of every shred of personal freedom," Governor Parnell said. "Sex trafficking is a disgraceful practice we can't ignore. This legislation will help prevent the exploitation of children and give prosecutors more tools to combat the problem."

The legislation will change terminology used to describe an offender's conduct as sex trafficking rather than promoting prostitution. The bill also strengthens the sex offender registration law by requiring people who are considered sex offenders in other states to register in Alaska if they relocate.

The bill allows the state to forfeit property used in connection with committing the crime of prostitution. It also allows the use of simultaneous two-way video conferencing in cases where a witness is unable to testify in a courtroom.

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