Flickr photo by Jimmy EmersonGovernor Sam Brownback has signed into law a bill to combat human trafficking and exploitation of underage sex workers. The governor signed the bill yesterday (MON), saying it will provide increased criminal penalties and services for victims of sexual exploitation.
The bill modifies Kansas human trafficking laws passed nearly a decade ago. It creates the crime of commercial sexual exploitation of a child, covering those ages 14 to 17. The bill will establish a fund financed with fines and forfeiture of property from people convicted of sex crimes. The revenue will be used to pay for treatment and services for the victims. Attorney General Derek Schmidt says part of the goal is shifting the focus from underage victims who work in the sex industry to people who buy their services.