JohnTV

6/29/2010 – Oklahoma — Gov. Brad Henry recently signed legislation that enhances penalties for traffickers, expands the tools for law enforcement to fight against human trafficking and more clearly defines the crime in our state. Among many other changes, the legislation allows the law enforcement to seize any vehicles used for human trafficking or activities relating to the crime.

Senate Bill 956, authored by Sen. Todd Lamb and State Rep. Pam Peterson, aligns state law with the Federal trafficking victims protection act.

Those convicted of human trafficking face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. This legislation increases human trafficking penalties when the victim(s) are 18-years old or younger to 10-years in prison and a fine up to $20,000.

The newly signed legislation allows law enforcement to seize “any vehicle or conveyance used in any manner to facilitate or participate in the commission of any human trafficking offense.”

In 2003, the Department of Justice reported the largest concentrations of trafficking survivors who received federal assistance resided in California, Texas, New York and Oklahoma.