Committee unanimously passes HB 148 to target 'travelers' who cross state lines to abuse children

The House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed House Bill 148, a measure aimed at offenders who travel long distances to commit child sexual abuse (referred to in testimony as “travelers”). Committee members and witnesses described the bill as targeting adults who organize or make a concerted effort to abuse children away from their home jurisdictions.

Sponsor presentation and scope The sponsor described HB 148 as focused on people who travel — sometimes across state lines or from other countries — to sexually abuse children, and said the bill arises from prosecutor conversations and victim-service reports. The sponsor said the 50-mile threshold in the draft was not fixed and may be adjusted during negotiations.

Support and concerns Marlise Jones, director of the Victim Services Commission, testified in support and said the commission reviewed the bill and backed it. The Defense Attorneys Association asked for flexibility and suggested treating travel as an aggravating factor judges can weigh rather than imposing mandatory terms; defense counsel said discretion at sentencing should be preserved. Several law‑enforcement witnesses and local officials described traveler cases and urged the committee to act.

Committee action Representative Gwynn moved to pass HB 148’s substitute out favorably; the committee adopted the motion by voice vote and passed the substitute out unanimously. The committee record shows continued outreach among stakeholders as work continues.

The committee forwarded HB 148 to the House floor with a favorable recommendation.