Robb Blasdel Supports Increase to Penalties Against Human Trafficking

COLUMBUS— State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) supported the Ohio House’s passage of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act Wednesday, legislation to increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, kidnapping and abduction.

Ohio has one of the highest numbers of reported cases of human trafficking in the nation, with a majority of those cases involving sex trafficking. Currently, Ohio law only allows for a prison term between 10 to 15 years for a person who has been convicted of human trafficking. 

“I am thankful for our law enforcement officers and the work that they do to combat human trafficking in Ohio, particularly the members of the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, the collaborative law enforcement effort in the Mahoning Valley,” said Robb Blasdel. “This legislation will increase penalties for human trafficking, kidnapping, and abduction, and will create extra penalties when these crimes are committed against minors and those with developmental disabilities. This bill will have a huge impact on our communities and the safety of all Ohioans.” 

The Human Trafficking Prevention Act will expand penalties for human trafficking from 10-15 years in prison to a minimum of 15 years. This legislation will also provide protections for victims who are under the age of 18 or developmentally disabled by increasing sentences to 25 years to life in prison. 

House Bill 47 passed the House and now will head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.