Human trafficking bill approved

Lawmakers passed a bill Aug. 12 intended to assist victims of human trafficking.

LB518, as originally introduced by Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, would have adopted the Support for Trafficking Survivors Act. Those provisions were removed, leaving provisions of Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood’s LB745, which outline procedures for certification of immigration visas by local law enforcement in Nebraska.

The bill requires Nebraska law enforcement agencies to certify a form—within 90 days of when it is requested—for two types of immigration visas that are set aside for victims of certain crimes.

A “T” visa is for victims of human trafficking and a “U” visa is for victims of specific crimes who have suffered abuse and who are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.

LB518 passed on a 47-0 vote.