New human trafficking law enacted in Arizona

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a measure into law on Tuesday that establishes stiffer penalties for human trafficking and will improve efforts to protect those who are victimized or vulnerable.

The new law was based on recommendations made by the Task Force on Human Trafficking, which was established by Brewer in 2013.

“This is a proud and significant day for Arizona, particularly for those who have been personally affected by the horrendous crime of human trafficking,” Brewer said. “There is much more work to be done in our fight to eliminate this atrocious modern-day slavery, but in signing this legislation and implementing critical measures, we take another good step forward in the right direction. And I look forward working with the Arizona Human Trafficking Council to do more….”

The new law establishes separate and more stringent sentencing guidelines for human traffickers, strengthens statutes regarding those who engage in prostitution with minors and establishes advertising for minor prostitution as a class two felony offense.

Child prostitution, sex trafficking and labor trafficking will be added to the list of acts that constitute racketeering under the measure. Escort services and massage parlors are also required to include license numbers in all advertisements, and proof of age is required for anyone depicted in an advertisement for services under the new law.