Statement from Sen. Dan Newberry on governor’s signing of human trafficking legislation

State Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement today regarding the governor’s signing of Senate Bills 1431 and 1433, which strengthen penalties for human trafficking.

“The smuggling and selling of human life is a growing crime, and a grim reminder of a very real evil we must combat together. The growth of this criminal enterprise has placed an increasing number of vulnerable Oklahomans at risk for commercial exploitation and trafficking. Cases where law enforcement officials have freed as many as 42 victims from trafficking rings in Oklahoma reveal the extent and nature of a crime that often preys on young targets.

“This legislation will establish penalties appropriate for the severity of the crime. I am grateful for the support of the governor and my colleagues as we continue our efforts to protect the young and vulnerable, and provide law enforcement with the tools to combat human trafficking.”