SPRINGFIELD, IL… This past week, five men were arrested in Danville on felony charges, including Indecent Solicitation and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child, and Solicitation to Meet a Child. The Illinois House Republicans held a press conference on Thursday to announce a package of legislation that addresses human trafficking in the state of Illinois, where Shared Hope International report card recently released the grade for Illinois as an “F”.
Rep. Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) believes the legislation must be prioritized, especially as it hits so close to home.
“Human trafficking can happen anywhere, even in my own hometown. I am proud to support legislation to assist victims and bring perpetrators to justice,” said Rep. Schweizer. “I want to thank the brave men and women involved in this successful sting operation.”
Bills introduced by House Republicans included:
- House Bill 5134: Requires those convicted of trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor to register as a sex offender.
- House Bill 5465: Allows a minor in juvenile court to petition the court for immediate sealing or expungement of their records if the participation in underlying offense was a direct result of human trafficking.
- House Bill 5466: Removes the affirmative defense of mistake of age of the offense of patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution.
- House Bill 5467: Removes the statute of limitations for prosecutions of involuntary servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons and related offenses when the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the offense.
- House Bill 5468: Creates an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking who commit an offense as a result of being trafficked. Requires the victim to prove by clear and convincing evidence they are victims of human trafficking.
- House Bill 5469: Creates the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act to allow victims of human trafficking to obtain orders of protection against their traffickers.
- House Bill 5470: Adds “patronize” to involuntary sexual servitude of a minor in order to ensure buyers are held accountable as sex trafficking offenders.
To show further support for victims of human trafficking, there is a petition on Rep. Schweizer’s website to sign in support of victims of human trafficking. To report suspected trafficking, please call the Human Trafficking Line at (888) 373-7888.
The 104th District comprises parts of Vermilion and Champaign counties. Any questions or concerns from constituents may be directed to Rep. Schweizer’s office at (217) 477-0104.
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