Human trafficking bill passes legislature

The Indiana General Assembly unanimously passed Senate Bill 4, a bill that would strengthen Indiana’s laws against human trafficking.

The bill was sent to Gov. Mitch Daniels for his signature.

The bill passed on its third reading with a vote of 93-0. On Jan. 10, the bill passed in the Indiana Senate, 48-0.

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has recommended that legislators pass the new law before Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.

There are concerns that large sporting events may increase organized
criminal rings that promote prostitution.

“The legislators who make up our Indiana General Assembly are to be complimented for rising above the tension and divisiveness of the past weeks in coming together to pass this important measure as the first bill of the season, in advance of the Super Bowl,” Zoeller said in a press release.

Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, authored the bill, and Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Danville, is the House sponsor.

Senate Bill 4 will make updates to the current law prohibiting human trafficking, Senate Enrolled Act 4.

The legislation will allow the prosecution of any non-relative who victimizes a child, instead of only a parent or guardian.

It will also define “promotion of human trafficking of a minor” so prosecutors can bring charges against traffickers even if no force was used.

The potential sentence would increase from a Class B felony to a Class A felony.

Zoeller said he wants to participate in the nationwide effort to crack down on trafficking through legislation, public awareness and by deterring demand.

“Though it is an honor for Indiana to host the Super Bowl, many sincere voices have brought to light the fact that human trafficking is a shameful practice we can’t ignore,” he said. “With the governor’s signature, law enforcement and prosecutors will have a new legal tool to combat this problem.”

— Claire Aronson