On Thursday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey took a significant step towards combating human trafficking by signing a legislation that significantly strengthens the criminal penalties for those convicted of this heinous crime. Under the new law, individuals involved in trafficking minors in Alabama will now face the possibility of a life sentence.
Governor Ivey proudly announced on Twitter that HB42, also known as The Sound of Freedom Act, has become the most stringent anti-human trafficking law in the country. She expressed her pride in signing this bill into law and commended Representative Givens for introducing and guiding this crucial legislation.
State Representative Donna Givens (R-Loxley) sponsored HB42.
The penalty for first-degree human trafficking will be increased under the new law, with a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment when the victim is a minor. This legislation was requested by Gov. Ivey during her state of the state address.
The recent film that brought attention to the issue of human trafficking to a wide audience across the country has inspired the creation of a new law called the Sound of Freedom Act.
Governor Ivey expressed her deep concern over the human trafficking of minors, describing it as one of the most appalling and emotionally distressing crimes in America. She emphasized the vulnerability of the victims, stating that those who are found guilty of this crime should be subjected to the severest punishments available.
Law enforcement agencies across the nation have faced significant challenges in combating the rampant spread of human trafficking and protecting innocent victims. Alabama, like many other states, has not been immune to this heinous crime. Human traffickers have been brazenly defying the laws, causing immense harm and exploitation. However, the time for their impunity has come to an end.
According to Governor Ivey, Alabama has taken a firm stand against human trafficking of minors by implementing the strictest punishment in the country. Those found guilty of first-degree human trafficking of a minor will now face a life sentence in prison. Governor Ivey believes that this tough consequence will make potential criminals think twice before engaging in such heinous acts against children in Alabama.
“I am proud to have signed the Sound of Freedom Act into law, empowering Alabama to lead the way in safeguarding children from these heinous crimes,” expressed Ivey. “I would also like to commend Representative Donna Givens for introducing and guiding this crucial legislation to its final approval.”
The bill states that an individual commits the offense of human trafficking in the first degree if:
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- He or she knowingly subjects another person to labor servitude or sexual servitude.
- He or she knowingly obtains, recruits, entices, solicits, induces, threatens, isolates, harbors, holds restrains, transports, provides, or maintains any minor for the purpose of causing a minor to engage in sexual servitude.
- He or she knowingly gives, or attempts to give, monetary consideration or any other thing of value to engage in any sexual conduct with a minor or an individual he or she believes to be a minor.
The defendant does not need to be aware of the age of a minor victim, and it is not a defense to liability to claim a reasonable mistake of age.
Human trafficking is a criminal enterprise that is rapidly expanding. The demand for sex acts involving girls and young women, both in person and online, is essentially limitless. Similarly, there is an enormous demand for labor.
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