Human trafficking bill goes to governor for approval
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Human trafficking bill goes to governor for approval

Date: May 11, 2011
By: Danielle McCarthy
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB214

Intro: 
Missouri's governor is the last step for a bipartisan bill cracking down on human trafficking and sex slavery.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The House and Senate approved the bill unanimously.

The legislation expands the definition of human trafficking and compensates victims with a minimum $100,000 award. 

Lawmakers say the victims are slaves who are forced to work or provide sexual services.

St. Charles Republican Representative Anne Zerr says she expects Governor Nixon to sign the bill.

Actuality:  ZERR1.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: I don't see why the governor wouldn't sign it. I mean, it's good legislation. It's not a partisan thing; it's a human thing. You know, it's a law and order thing.
 
She says the legislation would cut the number of trafficking cases.
 
The bill calls for the Department of Public Safety to further educate law enforcement on how to spot potential crimes.

From the state Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.

Intro: 
A crackdown on Missouri human trafficking perpetrators goes to the governor's desk for approval.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill would give victims a minimum $100,000 award and further assistance through the Department of Public Safety.

It passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

The measure also mandates longer sentences for offenders.

St. Charles Republican Representative Anne Zerr says some lawmakers wanted even stricter penalties for perps.

Actuality:  ZERR4.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: I mean, everybody knew that it was wrong. I mean, we had the stats, we had the victims come up, we had advocates, we had law enforcement, we had prosecutors all in support of this.
 
Zerr says the bill should cut the number of human trafficking cases.
 
It awaits Governor Jay Nixon's signature.

From the state Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.