Rebimbas champions tougher human, sex trafficking penalties

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State Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) speaks out against human and sex traffickers during a press conference at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on April 5. –CONTRIBUTED
State Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) speaks out against human and sex traffickers during a press conference at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on April 5. –CONTRIBUTED

HARTFORD — State Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) expressed strong support for legislation that would increase penalties for those convicted of human or sex trafficking during a press conference at the Legislative Office Building Friday.

H.B. 5666, An Act Concerning the Forfeiture of Moneys and Property Derived from Human or Sex Trafficking, would authorize the forfeiture of money and property used in or obtained or derived from the commission of crimes involving human and sex trafficking.

“Crimes like human or sex trafficking are abhorrent to society and I am proud to stand up and strengthen laws to remove the financial gain aspect of the perpetrator’s offenses and penalize wrongdoers where it most impacts them, financially,” Rebimbas said in a statement. “This legislation expands the offenses that are subject to forfeiture of money and property used in or obtained from the commission of sexual exploitation or human trafficking, to include prostitution or promoting prostitution in the third degree.”

According to statistics provided by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, the Trafficking in Persons Council and other non-governmental agencies have provided services to 170 victims of human trafficking, according to a release issued by Rebimbas’ office.

“The fact that every single female legislator signed onto this bill, and the support we’ve received from PCSW and other outside agencies shows how important it is we act. We must not turn a blind eye to the men and women who are in need of help,” Rebimbas said in a statement.