STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2013) — State Sen. John Waterman’s (R-Shelburn) bill to strengthen Indiana’s human trafficking law unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law today.

Senate Bill 509 builds on the current human trafficking law which was passed last year making it illegal to arrange for a person to participate in any forced sexual act or to arrange for a person younger than 16 to participate in any sexual act. 

Waterman said his bill would expand the law’s positive impact by increasing the age of protection from human trafficking to 18. He said this change will better align Indiana’s law with those of other states and the nation.

“Last year’s bill took crucial steps to address human trafficking in our state, and punish the individuals who commit these horrific crimes,” Waterman said. “My bill strengthens the law to provide protection for 16- and 17-year-olds as well, sending a strong message that Indiana will not tolerate this type of activity in our communities.”

SB 509 passed out of committee by a vote of 10-0 and now moves to the full Senate for further consideration. For an up-to-date copy of the bill, click here.

-30-

A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Waterman is available in the Caucus Photo Gallery at http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/2355.htm.