Kemp Signs Multiple Sex Trafficking Bills

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Gov. Brian Kemp poses with a red X on his hand to raise awareness for the "End It Movement" aimed at combating sex trafficking. / Office of The Governor

Gov. Brian Kemp signed three bills into law this Thursday morning aimed at curbing human trafficking and safeguarding victims in the state.

 
The bills, HB 281, SB 158 and HB 424, increase penalties associated with human trafficking, improve protections for victims and include certain crimes in the state’s definition of gang activity.
 
 
During a press conference before signing the bills Kemp said that “by signing these pieces of legislation today, we will strengthen our laws to protect the vulnerable from harm, hold bad actors accountable and equip community leaders with the tools that they need to ultimately end human trafficking in our state.”
 

These laws continue the Kemp administration’s efforts to prevent sex trafficking, and come days after the First Lady announced the members of her group, the GRACE Commission, that will focus on the issue.

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“Children will be protected, victims will get the resources that they need and those that are enabling this crime to continue will be held accountable, and that includes those that are in criminal gangs,” said Attorney General Chris Carr, a member of the GRACE Commission.

Sen. Brian Strickland gave credit to the first lady: “Now I've watched [the first lady] when no cameras are around, out there meeting with victims of human trafficking, those that are serving those victims, those organizations that are working with those folks, learning about the problem in our state," Strickland said. "She has a true heart for this issue and I appreciate your leadership with the GRACE Commission. I look forward to recommendations we get from you guys moving forward to more things we can do as legislature and taking on this terrible crime in our state."

Kemp made human trafficking a central element in his campaign, acknowledging Atlanta as a hub and drawing attention to the issue. Certain elements of this package go into effect immediately, including provisions associating some sexual crimes with gang membership and excluding past sexual behavior from human trafficking cases.

The portion of the law that will provide additional care to victims goes into effect on July 1.