Law Increases Penalties For Human Trafficking Offenses

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – A new state law is increasing the penalties for certain human trafficking offenses and directing some of the criminal fines to help sexually exploited children. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed the legislation, which takes effect in two months. It also defines “child” in the anti-trafficking statute as anyone under age 18, up from age 16. Legislative records indicate fewer than a dozen people were convicted of human trafficking or sexual servitude offenses in 2018. The bill was part of a wider package of legislation designed to combat human trafficking.