Lemont, IL…State Representative Nicole La Ha presented her legislative proposals today to bring light to human trafficking and the impact it has throughout Illinois. With Illinois ranking among the top ten nationwide for human trafficking cases, Rep. La Ha discussed the importance of putting forth viable solutions.
Rep. La Ha has been a vocal advocate in the fight against human trafficking, driven not only through her commitment to justice but to protect the vulnerable. To do that, she filed three bills: HB 1114 removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting crimes such as involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons when the victim was under 18 at the time of the offense; HB 1467 eliminates the affirmative defense of “mistake of age” for individuals accused of patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution; and HB 1469, which amends the Sex Offender Registration Act to include offenses such as trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, requiring offenders to register as sex offenders.
La Ha’s legislation ensures victims have the time they need to come forward, holds offenders accountable, and provides transparency in communities to promote awareness of the severity of human trafficking.
“Today, we took a stand against the horrific reality of human trafficking in Illinois,” said Rep. La Ha. “I’m working to ensure traffickers are held fully accountable and that survivors have the time, resources, and support they need to seek justice. We must take action to make sure those responsible face the consequences of their crimes.”
“I want to thank the advocates and survivors who have shared their stories with me. Your voices matter, and your courage fuels this fight,” continued La Ha. “I will continue pushing this legislation forward and working on new measures to support you and ensure traffickers are brought to justice. Every step we take brings us closer to protecting our vulnerable and ending this heinous crime.”
Rep. La Ha will continue to back efforts to put a stop to human trafficking and move her bills through the legislative process.
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Listen to Rep. La Ha speak on her fight against Human Trafficking on the Capitol Crimes Podcast: