Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Trafficking Prostitution topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to toughen penalties for buyers and traffickers in prostitution cases
Summary
Lawmakers reported House Bill 5 with amendments after testimony from survivors, advocacy groups and prosecutors supporting tougher penalties for repeat buyers and traffickers, while the district attorneys association recommended technical statutory changes.
Representative Jackson presented House Bill 5 as a measure to strengthen and clarify penalties related to prostitution and human trafficking, including enhanced penalties for buyers who repeatedly solicit prostitution and for commercial exploitation tied to trafficking of minors.
The author said the bill had been worked on with the governor’s office on human‑trafficking prevention, state police and district attorneys to align the statute with existing child‑trafficking laws. He said amendments had resolved technical concerns raised by the state police and district attorneys.
Survivors and advocates urged the committee to focus on demand: survivor Michelle Johnson testified, “the people who buy human trafficking is our own people,” and described the obstacles survivors face when prior solicitation charges become long‑term barriers to safe housing and services. Kathleen Benfield of Louisiana Family Forum said, “Prostitution is a serious crime which leaves tragedy and heartbreak in its wake,” and urged tougher penalties on buyers and facilitators.
Zach Daniels, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, recommended placing penalty provisions directly in the new statute rather than cross‑referencing another code section, to avoid future legislative confusion; the author said he would work with the DAA to refine language before the floor. Senator Barrow moved and the committee reported HB 5 with amendments.
