Senate Passes Anti-Human Trafficking Bill

Monday, July 25, 2016
GoLocalWorcester News Team

Michael Moore

Senator Michael Moore announced that the Senate passed legislation to strengthen existing anti-human trafficking laws. The bill looks to impose increased protections for survivors of human trafficking while also providing tools for public awareness, data reporting and training for law enforcement, court personnel, health professionals and educators. 

“While human trafficking may not be something we think about often, we cannot turn a blind eye to this devastating, prevailing issue. Not only is human trafficking a multi-billion dollar global industry, it is the second-largest and fastest growing black market in the world.  This legislation will offer greater protections and resources for those who have been victimized by this despicable practice," said Moore.  

The bill will now go to the house of representatives for consideration. 

The Bill 

The bill provided an update to strengthen a 2011 anti-human trafficking law, by adopting several measures. First, the legislation will close the bodyworks loophole which allows persons practicing "bodywork therapy" an exemption from the massage therapy licensing requirements. The senate bill addresses the problem by establishing a statewide board of bodywork therapy that will provide oversight of bodywork establishments and require individual licensure for practitioners. 

The legislation also includes tools for victims to help restore their lives. The timeframe to file a civil suit against a trafficker is extended from a mere 3 years to 10 years. Victims will also have access to expanded affirmative defenses to criminal charges related to sex crimes, and will have the chance to petition the court to vacate a prior conviction for any offenses not a felony committed as a result of being a human trafficking victim. 

When a vacated conviction occurs, victims can further seek to thane their record sealed by in order to help aid the victim in obtaining housing, employment and other things needed to live a quality life. 

Final provisions in the bill include enhanced data collection to help track human trafficking crimes and identify any patterns or characteristics useful to law enforcement for investigations, arrests and prosecutions.  Mandatory training for law enforcement, health professionals, and K-12 educators is also implemented to help personnel identify victims and trafficking offenses. Lastly, a public awareness campaign will be developed and awareness signs shall be posted in high-risk locations such as adult entertainment facilities and foreign cash transfers.