State Representative Justin Pizzulli has expressed his support for the Ohio House’s recent approval of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act. This legislation aims to increase criminal penalties for offenses such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and abduction.
Ohio is among the states with the highest number of reported human trafficking cases, most of which involve sex trafficking. Under current state law, those convicted of human trafficking face a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 15 years.
“Human trafficking is a brutal crime that has no place in Ohio,” stated Pizzulli. “This legislation sends a strong message to traffickers – Ohio will not tolerate this crime.”
The new act proposes to expand the penalties for human trafficking from the existing range to a minimum of 15 years in prison. It also includes provisions for increased sentences—ranging from 25 years to life—for crimes involving victims who are minors or developmentally disabled.
House Bill 47 has successfully passed through the House and is now set to be reviewed by the Ohio Senate.
