The bill that passed the legislature today and headed for the Governor's desk strengthens human or sex trafficking laws in the state of Alaska.

House Bill 359 changes the legal definition of “promoting prostitution” to include “sex trafficking,” so young Alaskans who are being induced into prostitution are referred to as victims of trafficking rather than as prostitutes. and increases penalties for trafficking in the first degree. The bill also raises the penalty for sex trafficking when it involves trafficking Alaska’s children. It also allows the state to confiscate property used in connection with committing the crime of prostitution when the defendant commits the act with a child victim, as well as allows the use of simultaneous two-way video conferencing in cases where a witness is unable to testify in a courtroom.

The bill was amended by Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage. Current state law recognizes the crime of “trafficking” only when victims are transported across state lines. Senator Wielechowski’s amendment closed that loophole, allowing law enforcement to prosecute traffickers who prey on victims within state borders.

“Sex trafficking is one of the most despicable crimes in Alaska,” said Senator Wielechowski. “It should not make a difference if you are transporting someone from the Lower 48 or within the state to engage in these acts.”

The bill, with the amendment, was voted on in the Senate and passed 16-4.

In the House, the amendment was accepted and the bill began its short trip to the Governor’s desk.

The Governor thanked members of the Alaska Legislature for passing his legislation protecting Alaskans from the horrific crimes of sex trafficking.

“I appreciate the Legislature’s careful consideration of this important bill,” Governor Parnell said. “I also want to acknowledge Senator McGuire and Representative Fairclough for their help in passing this bill. HB 359 will treat this activity as the serious felony offense that it is. Prosecutors will now have more tools to protect Alaska’s children against exploitation.”