Eight bipartisan bills to combat human trafficking, including legislation to keep minors from being exploited through online ads for escort services such as Backpage.com, were passed today by the Senate and are now sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Two more anti-trafficking bills are expected to pass tomorrow.
Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D—Seattle, sponsor of Senate Bill 6251 to keep minors from being sexually exploited through online ads for adult escort services said, "Human trafficking is a billion-dollar industry that exploits the most vulnerable, especially minors. We must do everything possible to raise the bar for protection against these crimes, and the ability to prosecute offenders when they occur."