The new crime would:
• carry a maximum sentence of 5 years and/or a maximum fine of $2,500 for a first offense;
• carry a minimum sentence of 5 years, eliminate the options of parole, probation, work release, “good time” behavior or any other deduction from the sentence until at least 5 years has been served, and/or a maximum fine of $10,000 for a second and all subsequent convictions.
“Human trafficking has not only been happening in our state, it has been evolving to take advantage of modern technology. Now we’re taking action to combat those who would enslave others for profit, and the creation of this specific crime will strike directly at perpetrators who use electronic means to snare victims in a tangled web of servitude,” said Senator Tarr.
Tarr, an ardent supporter of the legislation signed into law today, was one of six legislators who served on the conference committee that authored the final version of the bill. Among its chief provisions are those that include:
• a penalty between 5 and 20 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $25,000 for a first offense of human trafficking;
• a requirement that convicted human traffickers register with the sex offender registry;
• the creation of services for victims of trafficking;
• the establishment of an interagency human trafficking task force chaired by the attorney general to further develop and improve current law;
• a provision for child witnesses to testify out of court using video and audio equipment; and
• the creation of a human trafficking trust fund for victims.
Senator Tarr said, “Passing this bill into law will move our Commonwealth to the forefront of the fight against the horrors of human trafficking. Now we will have modern and effective tools to confront the people who profit from enslaving others.”
Tarr, who joined with legislative leaders with Governor Patrick today for the signing of the bill, expressed his gratitude to those who have played a role in bringing it to fruition. They include Manchester resident Christina Bain, Director of the Program on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge; Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford); Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth); Attorney General Martha Coakley; and Karen McLaughlin, Director of the Massachusetts Human Trafficking Task Force.
Joining Governor Deval Patrick at today's bill signing ceremony are (left to right): Representative Elizabeth Malia, Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Senator Mark Montigny, and Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley.
Senator Bruce Tarr speaks with Karen McLaughlin, Director of the Massachusetts Human Trafficking Task Force, at today's bill signing ceremony.
