Costa bill increases penalties for sex trafficking

3/20/2014

News

STATE HOUSE - Stating that sex trafficking is more prevalent than the public realizes, Rep. Doreen Costa (R-District 31 – North Kingstown, Exeter) has introduced legislation to increase the penalties for sex trafficking a minor as well as for obstruction or interference with enforcement of sex trafficking laws.

The representative’s bill (2014-H 7916) would increase the penalties for sex trafficking of a minor from 40 years imprisonment to 50 years imprisonment and increase the penalties for obstruction or interference with enforcement of sex trafficking laws from 20 years to 35 years imprisonment. It would also increase the fine from $20,000 to $40,000.

“This bill is supported by 61 representatives who have signed on to co-sponsor it. In addition it has the support of State Police Superintendent Col. Stephen G. O’Donnell and Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin as well as the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers,” said Rep. Costa. “Those who choose to commit and aid others in committing this horrible crime must be punished.”

The House Judiciary Committee will hear this bill during its regularly scheduled meeting scheduled on Tuesday, March 25 after the House session concludes. The meeting will take place in Room 101 of the State House.

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For more information, contact:
Louise Tetreault, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259

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In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders. As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.