Jan. 13, 2020
WHAT: Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, will hold a voting meeting of the committee to consider a package of bills aimed at combatting the crime of human trafficking. Bills in the package include:
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House Bill 161 (
Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-Berks) - Would reclassify the offense of trafficking infants as a first-degree felony.
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House Bill 2174 (
Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington) - Would prohibit defendants from introducing evidence of a human trafficking victim’s past sexual victimization and allegations of past sexual victimization in any prosecution related to human trafficking.
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House Bill 2175 (
Rep. Meghan Schroeder, R-Bucks) - Would expand the list of offenses where an expert may testify about the dynamics of sexual violence and victim responses to sexual violence.
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House Bill 2176 (
Rep. Marci Mustello, R-Butler) - Would add certain prohibited activities to existing law that, if committed, constitute the crime of unlawful contact with a minor.
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House Bill 2177 (
Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R-Allegheny) - Would expand the list of sexual offenses that require offenders to attend and participate in a Department of Corrections program of counseling and therapy designed for incarcerated sex offenders.
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House Bill 2178 (
Rep. David Rowe, R-Snyder/Union) – Would amend Pennsylvania’s child custody statute to require a court to consider whether a party or member of that party’s household has been convicted of human trafficking prior to awarding child custody to that party.
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Senate Bill 60 (
Sen. Kristin Philips-Hill, R-York) – Would provide increased penalties and asset forfeiture regarding human trafficking and patronizing a victim of sexual servitude.
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House Resolution 618 (
Rep. Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks) Would recognize the month of January 2020 as “National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.”
WHO: Kauffman and members of the committee.
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Room 60EW, Capitol Building, Harrisburg.
LIVE WEBSTREAMING:
RepKauffman.com.
Media contact: Tricia Lehman, 717.772.9840,
tlehman@pahousegop.com