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Oklahoma
State Senate
Senator Todd Lamb, R-Edmond
Majority floor leader
(405) 521-5632
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2010
Sen. Todd Lamb
Lamb Works to Eliminate Human Trafficking
The Oklahoma State Senate gave
unanimous approval to a measure by Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb
that strengthens laws against human trafficking, which is now the
second-largest world-wide criminal activity, behind illegal drugs.
Lamb said Senate Bill 956 will give Oklahoma the most stringent laws
to combat human trafficking, sending a strong message to sexual
predators that they are not welcome in Oklahoma.
“As a former Secret Service Agent, I know how important it is for
federal agents to be able to work with local law enforcement in a
productive manner. The goal of this legislation is to forge a
seamless relationship that stops the abhorrent practice of human
trafficking.”
Lamb added, “This legislation has been a two year project that will
bring Oklahoma law up-to-date by defining human trafficking activity
and provide for tougher punishment against those who make the
exploitation of human beings a criminal enterprise.”
Mark Elam, Executive Director of Oklahomans Against Trafficking
Humans (OATH), cited the importance of this legislation.
“Because of the lack of information and lack of enforcement against
these criminals, this activity has accelerated with Oklahoma serving
as a major interstate crossroads,” said Elam. “It has gone unnoticed
and unreported, but with awareness and enforcement we can really
start dealing with this issue.”
Elam added that because of SB 956, local law enforcement will now be
able to get on board in the issue of human trafficking so that more
than just a handful of FBI agents are left to handle the entire
caseload.
Lamb said as a father of two young children, he was particularly
concerned about the exploitation of Oklahoma’s youth.
“One of the most primary
responsibilities of government is to protect those that are the most
vulnerable. This legislation will do just that.”
Now that Senate Bill 956 has passed both houses, it will head to the
Governor’s desk for his consideration and approval.
For more information, contact:
Sen. Lamb: (405) 521-5632
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