'Throwing away the key': What new AZ punishments for child sex trafficking could look like
Arizona Republican lawmakers want to strengthen punishments for those convicted of child sex trafficking.
A House resolution introduced by Rep. Selina Bliss, R-Prescott, and sponsored by all Republican members of the chamber would amend the state constitution to increase the sentence for child sex trafficking to life in prison without parole. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix.
"Arizona's children are our most valuable resource," Bolick said at a news conference last week. "We would like everyone to know our children are not for sale."
If passed, the legislation would be sent to the ballot in 2024 for voters to approve. Currently, child sex trafficking sentences can range from four to 10 years, with specific sentencing ranges for first-time and repeat offenders.
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Rep. Leo Biasiucci, R-Lake Havasu City, said at the news conference the increased punishment will hopefully serve as a deterrent for potential offenders.
"If you are involved in these heinous crimes, we are putting you away for a very long time," Biasiucci said. "In this bill, we're throwing away the key."
Biasiucci also thanked the creators of the film "The Sound of Freedom" for "exposing the ugly underbelly" of child sex trafficking. The film was criticized for amplifying right-wing conspiracy theories and misinformation regarding human trafficking.
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According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 217 human trafficking cases involving 337 victims were identified in Arizona in 2021. 47 of those victims were identified as minors.
Sheri Lopez, a child sex trafficking survivor, said she was trafficked by her high school boyfriend's father when she was just 15. At the news conference, she urged voters to get behind the proposal from Republican lawmakers.
"I am unbelievably grateful for all of these representatives that have stepped up to do something to prevent other children from going through what I have gone through, and I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of my heart," Lopez said.
Republicans introduced several bills this session aimed at protecting Arizona children from sexual crimes. Two Republican-backed bills that would criminalize grooming minors and make it a felony for public school employees to distribute sexual material passed their respective committees this week.
Democrats expressed concerns over those bills during hearings, saying they could be going too far or overlapping with existing laws.
It's unclear whether the child sex trafficking bills will have support from Democrats. Representatives for House and Senate Democrats did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ GOP lawmakers seek increase in punishment for child sex trafficking
