Human trafficking bill passes Utah Legislature

The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Mar 13 2013 09:26 am • Last Updated Mar 18 2013 11:31 am

Utah prosecutors will soon have more tools to combat human trafficking.

The Senate voted 25-0 on Wednesday to pass HB163, and sent it to Gov. Gary Herbert for his signature.

It would remove the statute of limitations on prosecuting suspects engaged in human trafficking, and bar the common defense claim that the age of a kidnapped person was not know to the suspects at the time of the crime.

It also would increase the penalties for felony convictions of using children in prostitution or smuggling children for the purpose of slavery or sexual exploitation. It was sponsored by House Minority Leader Jennifer Seelig, D-Salt Lake City.

Lee Davidson

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