Rep. Michael McCaul
To address the human trafficking of children, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) recently signed on as the lead original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that would increase the penalties for such offenses.
“While human trafficking is a global enterprise, it is also a horrific reality in communities across America — and school-aged children are particularly vulnerable,” Rep. McCaul said. “An estimated 80,000 minors are currently being trafficked in Texas alone, with many cases originating at school.”
Rep. McCaul on Jan. 9 reintroduced the Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act, H.R. 30, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). The lawmakers originally introduced the same-named H.R. 7546 in April 2022 but the proposed bill languished in the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
“Schools should be safe places, where kids can learn and play freely,” said Rep. McCaul. “As a father of five, I’m proud to introduce this bill to increase penalties for those who dare to commit such a disgusting crime.”
If enacted, H.R. 30 would establish an additional five years of prison time for certain human trafficking offenses that occur in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a school-sponsored activity, according to the text of the bill.
The five-plus additional years of prison also would apply to anyone found guilty of trafficking children within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school; a public or private college, junior college, or university; a playground; a housing facility owned by a public housing authority; or within 100 feet of a public or private youth center, public park, public playground, public swimming pool, or video arcade facility, the text says.
“I proposed this bill in the name of the thousands of victims, especially those who are underage, who have been exploited by traffickers, and whose futures are now stained with trauma,” said Rep. Jackson Lee. “I hope that the Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act will end the targeting of students by predators.”