Carroll Sponsors Legislation to Crack Down on Human Trafficking

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Joining new efforts to crack down on human trafficking, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, is sponsoring legislation that cracks down on companies that benefit from human trafficking by increasing penalties and providing new resources for law enforcement.

“Human trafficking is an horrific and unimaginable crime that still continues today,” said Carroll. “This legislation would give a voice to survivors to speak out against their abusers, allowing law enforcement to bring the criminals to justice and also creating new penalties for criminals who engage or benefit from human trafficking.”

Carroll’s Senate Bill 1890 is a major crack down effort on human trafficking that bolsters repercussions on businesses that benefit from the crime, sex trade activities and involuntary servitude by increasing fines up to $100,000. Additionally, Carroll’s legislation extends the statute of limitations from three to 25 years, empowering law enforcement to bring criminals to justice. Finally, all police officers would be required to take training courses for identifying and handling human trafficking, which is only required for new officers under current law.

“Human trafficking is one of the most underreported crimes, which is why it is so important that we speak up for people in need in times of crisis,” said Carroll. “This legislation is a good first step to cracking down on this heinous crime by allowing victims to come forward, allow law enforcement to bring criminals to justice and mandate criminals pay the price.”