Governor Deal signs bill to Strengthen Sex Trafficking Laws

Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) issued the following statement after Governor Deal signed House Bill 341 into law:

“House Bill 341 becoming law brings us one step closer to properly prosecuting those who engage in sex trafficking or soliciting victims,” said Sen. Unterman. “Fighting for sex trafficking victim’s rights remains a top priority for the Georgia General Assembly and everyone who works outside the capitol year-round to ensure the issue of sex trafficking continues to be addressed. Passing and enacting legislation like HB 341 solidifies our efforts and assures victims and their families that we are doing something to address these horrible acts.”

Under HB 341, changes are made to provisions in Georgia law relating to sex trafficking. Currently, a person commits the offense of sex trafficking when they knowingly subject an individual to, or maintain an individual in sexual servitude. This includes recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining by any means a person for the purpose of sexual servitude. HB 341 adds that a person may also commit the offense of sex trafficking if they solicit an individual to perform anything related to sexual conduct when the person they solicit is being trafficked.