Senators advanced a bill from general file March 21 that would increase awareness of human trafficking and enhance penalties for pandering.<\/p>\n
As introduced by Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill, LB1145 would:
\n\u2022 establish a commission on human trafficking;
\n\u2022 require training for government officials on human trafficking;
\n\u2022 allow a victim of sex trafficking to file a motion to vacate a conviction of prostitution;
\n\u2022 authorize law enforcement officials to seize property obtained due to a violation of the state human trafficking statute, which would then be subject to forfeiture; and
\n\u2022 require that the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number be posted in key establishments throughout the state.<\/p>\n
Under the bill, forcing or enticing a person into prostitution would be a Class IV felony for a first offense. If the victim is younger than 18, it would be a Class III felony for the first and subsequent offenses. Pandering currently is a misdemeanor offense in Nebraska.<\/p>\n
A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 35-0, removed provisions that would allow a victim to file a motion to vacate a prostitution conviction and authorize forfeiture of seized property.<\/p>\n
Sen. Brenda Council of Omaha said the committee removed the provisions due to constitutional concerns. The resulting bill still would make progress toward the goal of protecting vulnerable Nebraskans from being victimized by human traffickers, she said.<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford, chairperson of the committee, said trafficking is a serious problem in Nebraska, particularly for young female runaways.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is slavery,\u201d he said. \u201cIt takes them away from their homes and puts them in a terrible environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial supported the bill, saying increased penalties for pandering were overdue.<\/p>\n
\u201cNebraska is the leading researcher in the nation on human trafficking,\u201d he said. \u201cYet we have some of the weakest laws.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bill advanced to select file on a 36-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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