For far too long human trafficking has lurked in the shadows, avoiding the notice of most Iowans. Many do not realize how prevalent it is in our state. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, it is the second largest criminal industry in the world, generating $32 billion annually.
When the term human trafficking is used, most people think of the issue in terms of prostitution. To be certain, that constitutes a large portion of the subject matter. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, victims of sex trafficking are overwhelmingly female (93 percent) and a majority (53 percent) are under the age of 17.
However, this issue encompasses more than just sex trafficking, it also includes situations where individuals are forced into involuntary labor and other forms of enslavement. Human trafficking is literally a modern-day form of slavery.
For the last several sessions, it has been a legislative priority to bring forth bills aimed at combatting this horrendous crime. Two years ago, I floor managed some of the initial components of this legislative agenda designed to target and toughen the penalties on the perpetrators of this crime.
This session, we have followed through on this priority and have moved a series of bipartisan bills to both directly combat human trafficking and crimes often associated with it.
Just a few weeks ago, I floor managed House File 2278 which extends the statute of limitations for human trafficking and kidnapping to ten years after the victim turns 18. Under current law, victims only have three years after the crime is committed for recourse. This bill is a good step to ensure justice as the vast majority of these cases involve minors.
Shortly after that, the House passed House File 2401 which addresses a practice that is sometimes used by traffickers and abusers in applying for credit cards in a minor’s name for financial gain. Under House File 2401, this practice would be penalized to help fight against these actions.
Last week, the House passed the centerpiece legislation for combatting this dreadful industry, Senate File 2191, which establishes an office to combat human trafficking within the Department of Public Safety. The office is charged with several tasks including:
• Serving as a point of contact for anti-human trafficking activity in the state by working with other government and nongovernmental agencies, victim protection, and law enforcement
• Developing a strategy to collect and maintain criminal history data on human trafficking crimes
• Seeking additional financial support
• Researching and recommending training to government agencies to identify and respond to human trafficking victims
• Taking other steps necessary to advance the purpose of the office
I am pleased to report that all three of these bills cleared their final legislative hurdles this week and are making their way to the Governor for his consideration.
On Friday I will be holding town hall meetings in the following locations: Last Chance Market in Russell at 8 a.m. and Mosaics in Chariton at 10 a.m.
Until next time, God bless.
• Contact Rep. Heartsill at 641-218-0185 or greg.heartsill@legis.iowa.gov