Senate clears bill strengthening penalties for human trafficking

The state Senate today approved legislation that would guarantee persons convicted of human trafficking will serve at least 85 percent of their sentence.
Sen. Dan Newberry, author of Senate Bill 1433, said the measure will ensure that some of the state’s most dangerous criminals serve a sentence that fits their crime.

“Human trafficking, particularly for the purpose of prostitution and sexual exploitation, is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “Sadly, it is also a crime that disproportionately targets children. The smuggling and selling of human lives destined for abuse is a monstrous offense and the penalties should be strong.”

The full Senate also recently approved Senate Bill 1431, authored by Newberry. The bill would ensure that the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration Act will apply to people convicted of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Approved by a vote of 42-0, SB 1433 now advances to the House for consideration.