Rep. Nicole La Ha appointed to Human Trafficking Task Force

Provides Trafficking Legislation Update as Spring Session Continues

State Representative Nicole La Ha announced she was appointed to the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force by Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. The Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force is charged with conducting a study on human trafficking in Illinois and shall hold hearings to develop a statewide plan to address human trafficking.

"Every person has inherent worth and human trafficking stands directly against that belief," said Representative La Ha, a stalwart legislative advocate on human trafficking issues since beginning her House term three years ago. "By strengthening victim protection, holding perpetrators responsible and closing legal loopholes, we are sending the message that Illinois will not tolerate the exploitation and victimization of our residents."

La Ha emphasized that while progress has been made in passing legislation to assist with the problem of human trafficking, we see very recent examples of this crime occurring in our own backyards in suburban Chicago.

Among the legislative proposals sponsored and supported by Representative La Ha:

• Removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking cases when the victim was under 18. (HB 1114, La Ha language adopted into Public Act 104-241)
• Eliminating affirmative defenses for those who patronize minors in prostitution. (HB 1467)
• Amending the Sex Offender Registration Act to include convictions for trafficking and involuntary servitude. (HB 1469)
• Creates the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act to enable victims to obtain protection orders against traffickers. (HB 5469- 103^rd GA)
• Makes Human Trafficking Resource Signs more visible to possible victims at the state's rest areas (HB 4654)

"I am hopeful that this task force will do the hard work and hold people who commit these heinous crimes accountable in Illinois," said La Ha.

You can follow the progress on the bills above at the Illinois General Assembly's website, ILGA.gov, or check Representative La Ha's legislative website at RepLaHa.com for updates.

Nicole La Ha is proud to serve the 82^nd District in the Illinois House in Springfield.