Costa Howard Backs Comprehensive Bill to Crack Down on Human Trafficking

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Human traffickers and others who profit from the exploitation of vulnerable women and children will face harsher penalties under a new measure backed by state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn.

“I am proud to continue my fight against the heinous crime of human trafficking,” said Costa Howard.  “My legislation will make sure law enforcement officers have the training they need to identify and investigate human trafficking and involuntary servitude. This bill also will impose severe financial penalties on businesses that benefit from these crimes.”

Costa Howard is sponsoring Senate Bill 1890, which makes extensive changes to Illinois’ current human trafficking laws.  Under Costa Howard’s bill, businesses that benefit from human trafficking and similar crimes will face new fines of up to $100,000. The bill also provides further training for all law enforcement officers on identifying and investigating suspected human trafficking situations and extends the statute of limitations on both criminal and civil cases to 25 years.

“I have spent my career in the courtroom advocating for our most vulnerable residents as a guardian ad litem, and I am committed to giving survivors a voice in our legislature,” continued Costa Howard. “This legislation offers a comprehensive plan to crack down on human traffickers who prey upon vulnerable women and children, and I encourage lawmakers from around the state to stand up and join me in supporting it.”