Ohio House Passes Legislation to Increase Penalties Against Human Trafficking

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives passed the Human Trafficking Prevention Act Wednesday, introduced by State Representatives Josh Williams (R- Sylvania Twp.) and Nick Santucci (R-Niles), legislation to increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, kidnapping and abduction. 

Ohio has one of the highest numbers of reported cases of human trafficking in the nation, with a majority of those cases involving sex trafficking. Currently, Ohio law only allows for a prison term between 10 to 15 years for a person who has been convicted of human trafficking. 

“Human trafficking is a brutal and destructive crime, and Ohio must respond with unwavering resolve,” said Santucci. “House Bill 47 delivers a direct message: if you are involved in human trafficking, you are not welcome in Ohio and you will be held fully accountable. I’m proud to support this legislation and stand with survivors and all those affected by these crimes.”

The Human Trafficking Prevention Act will expand penalties for human trafficking from 10-15 years in prison to a minimum of 15 years. This legislation will also provide protections for victims who are under the age of 18 or developmentally disabled by increasing sentences to 25 years to life in prison. 

House Bill 47 passed the House and now will head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.