Reps. Carter and Harding Bolster Bill for Human Trafficking Protection

HARTFORD – Representatives Dan Carter (R-Bethel, Danbury, Newtown and Redding) and Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield, Bethel and Danbury) last week supported a bill that would strengthen protection for victims of human trafficking and increase criminal penalties for offenders.

The southwestern CT legislators, two of 43 representatives who co-sponsored the legislation, said that H.B. 6849 will improve Connecticut’s wanting human trafficking laws and make necessary changes to the criminal justice system by expanding the terms of human trafficking when the crime is committed with a minor.

The bill, passed by the House unanimously, also requires the state Department of Public Health (DPH) to provide human trafficking victims the same services provided to certain sexual assault victims. It also makes available the option to waive the time limitation on crime victim compensation. In addition, it expands the conditions under which a court may erase a juvenile’s record, the list of crimes, and the membership of the Trafficking in Persons Council from 21 to 23.

“The improvements made to the justice system by this piece of legislation are long-overdue,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m happy to see the victims of this appalling crime receive the protection they deserve in our state.”

“I feel that this is a great accomplishment to come out of the House Chamber this week,” said Rep. Harding. “The reality these people face in such situations is horrible, yet inescapable, and I’m glad that we’ve taken a step towards providing a safe place for them to address and overcome it through the judicial process.”

To learn more about the issue, Reps. Carter and Harding urge constituents to attend the screening of “SOLD,” a film based on true stories of human trafficking as described in the novel by Patricia McCormick. The screening will be hosted by a Brookfield constituent, Dorina Leslie, at the Bethel Cinemas located on Greenwood Avenue on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.soldthemovie.com.

Supporters of the measure include the state Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) and advocacy groups like the Connecticut Children’s Alliance and the Women’s Education and Legal Fund.

The bill is now filed and awaiting action in the Senate.

Image source: State of CT

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Submitted by Newtown, CT

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