Mason Supports Legislation to End Human Trafficking in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is sponsoring Senate Bill 1890, a measure that creates additional safeguards for victims of human trafficking by expanding law enforcement trainings, extending the criminal statute of limitations and cracking down on businesses associated with human trafficking.

“Due to the nature of human trafficking, it often takes additional time for victims to recover from the crimes committed against them,” said Mason. “This legislation implements a variety of new measures that would substantially increase the judicial resources that are afforded to victims of human trafficking, granting them a greater ability to seek justice.”

Current law only requires newly hired police officers to be trained on human trafficking. Senate Bill 1890 expands that training requirement to include all currently serving law enforcement officers. The measure also extends the criminal statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking crimes from three years to 25 years and increases the fine for businesses involved in human trafficking to $100,000. For more information on Senate Bill 1890, please contact Mason’s constituent service office at 847-485-9986 or email info@repjoycemason.com.

“As lawmakers, it is our duty to be a voice for the voiceless, and victims of human trafficking are some of the most voiceless among us,” said Mason. “Passing this measure is imperative to returning autonomy to these victims, and ensuring that the individuals perpetuating and committing these crimes are fully prosecuted under the law.”