Rep. Case supports measures against human trafficking

HARTFORD – The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Wednesday cosponsored by Rep. Jay Case (R-Winchester) aimed at strengthening protection for victims of human trafficking and increasing criminal penalties for offenders.
H.B. 6849 makes necessary changes to the criminal justice system by expanding the terms of human trafficking when the crime is committed with a minor. It also requires the state Department of Public Health (DPH) to provide human trafficking victims the same services provided to certain sexual assault victims.
Through the proposal, the Office of Victims Services (OVS) can waive the time limitation on crime victim compensation applications for a minor who is a victim of human trafficking under certain circumstances.
“We want to make sure Connecticut’s laws protect those who need protection and punishes those committing grave injustices,” Case said. “My hope is this legislation will do just that. Criminals using human trafficking as means of their livelihood need to be stopped – and victims need to be saved.
“This is a great step forward in eradicating human trafficking in Connecticut,” Case added.
The bill, now awaiting action from the state Senate, also expands the conditions under which a court may erase a juvenile’s record and increases the membership of the Trafficking in Persons Council from 21 to 23.
Supporters of the measure include the state Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) and advocacy groups like the Connecticut Children’s Alliance and the Women’s Education and Legal Fund.