Immunity for victims of human trafficking proposed

Victims of human trafficking would be granted limited legal immunity under a bill discussed by the Judiciary Committee Feb. 10.

LB843, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, would provide legal immunity from prostitution charges for any person proven to be a victim of labor or sex trafficking. Pansing Brooks said the first step in addressing human trafficking is acknowledging its pervasiveness.

“The trafficking of women, men and children in our state is the epitome of modern-day slavery,” she said. “While it seems impossible to most Nebraskans, human trafficking is present here.”

A pending amendment would clarify that law enforcement would be responsible for determining whether a person engaging in prostitution is a victim of human trafficking.

Al Riskowski, representing the Nebraska Family Alliance, supported the bill. He said a report by the governor’s Task Force on Human Trafficking, of which he is a co-chair, shows just how large a problem human trafficking is in Nebraska.

“It’s important that human trafficking victims need to be seen as victims,” he said. “Our report shows that 50 to 100 current high school students are pulled into the sex trade every year in Nebraska.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.