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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 17, 2013 04:04 PM |
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| From: | Representative Rosita C. Youngblood |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Strengthen state laws regarding the sexual exploitation of children through human trafficking |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation that would address the growing epidemic of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation in Pennsylvania. According to several studies, Pennsylvania has become a transit and source state with regard to human trafficking, specifically of children who are trafficked for the purpose of being forced into the sex trade. Transportation hubs such as I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and I-84 have enabled child sex promoters to move children through Pennsylvania to other metropolitan areas. But even more concerning is the reality that Pennsylvania itself has become a source, and a destination, for victims who are brought from other cities and countries. It is estimated that the average age of victims of sex trafficking is 12 years old. And when analyzing data reported by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, it is estimated that more than two children every month are trafficked into Pennsylvania's sex trade. There have been proposals introduced this session, as well as in previous years, that address the myriad of issues relating to human trafficking, and I believe that those efforts must continue. However, my proposal would attempt to tackle this growing problem from the other end of the spectrum – by targeting those who exploit children for financial or sexual gain, specifically the promoters and patrons of child prostitutes. My legislation would strengthen state laws regarding promoting and patronizing child prostitutes, as well as the trafficking of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation, by increasing the classifications of these crimes and creating strict financial penalties for those convicted. It is estimated that an individual who promotes prostitution, better known as a "pimp," can earn as much as $650,000 in a year by exploiting as few as four children. Research has shown that targeting the demand for these children, and making the industry far less profitable, is a primary defense against the sexual exploitation of children. In addition, my proposal uses the money collected from the additional fines to support a newly established fund aimed toward assisting victims of sexual exploitation. The issue of child sexual exploitation is real and prominent in Pennsylvania, and my proposal would be fundamental in ensuring that Pennsylvania’s children receive the protection that they deserve. I have attached a draft copy of the proposal for your review. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-787-7727. |
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| View Attachment | ||
Introduced as HB1283