Senate Judiciary Committee sends SB15, tightening penalties for buyers of children, to Appropriations

Senate Bill 15, a proposal to increase criminal penalties for people who purchase children, moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 11 after sponsors and members adopted technical and substantive amendments and a final committee vote sent the bill to Appropriations.

Sponsor remarks and committee amendments framed the bill as focused on holding “predators” who purchase children accountable and addressing demand that fuels trafficking. During the committee’s amendment phase, Vice Chair Roberts moved L001 to align the bill’s definition of commercial activity with federal statute and victim‑group requests, and the amendment was adopted with no objection. The panel then adopted L003, which removed a marital exception in both the bill and existing statute; sponsors said the change reflected survivor testimony presented during the prior full hearing.

In committee discussion members raised but ultimately did not offer an immunity or affirmative‑defense amendment for minors who may be trafficking victims, with the chair noting drafting concerns and opposition from members representing district attorneys. Sponsor Senator Pelton stressed the bill’s central aim of protecting children and acknowledged the seriousness of mandatory minimums.

The committee moved the amended SB15 to the Appropriations Committee. The clerk recorded a committee roll call that resulted in a 6–1 tally to send the bill forward; Senator Henriksen cast the lone recorded no vote.

The bill will next be reviewed in Appropriations, which the chair noted is appropriate given the fiscal note associated with the measure.