Human trafficking bill introduced by Sally Kern heads to Oklahoma Senate
BY Associated Press
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill to allow human trafficking victims to clear some criminal records is on its way to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration.
Republican Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma City introduced the bill to allow sex trafficking victims to petition to have prostitution convictions vacated from their records. The bill passed the House of Representatives without opposition Monday.
Kern and victim advocacy groups said many of the men and women in prostitution started when they were underage or are there under force or fraud, which are conditions for sex trafficking. They said these people should be treated as victims instead of criminals.
The House unanimously passed another trafficking-related bill from Kern last year. The bill's passage comes as state governments around the country focus on the issue.
