House Vote Expected on Anti-Sex Trafficking Bill
The House likely votes Monday on anti-sex trafficking legislation, with the lower chamber proposing an amendment to include victim-focused language from the bill's Senate version, lawmakers said Wednesday. Rep. Ann Wagner’s, R-Mo., Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex…
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Trafficking Act (HR-1865) will be amended to include language from Sen. Rob Portman’s, R-Ohio, Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (S-1693) (see 1801300047). Rep. Mimi Walters, R-Calif., introduced the amendment, which includes victim-focused provisions from the Senate bill. The legislation alters Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, making it easier to bring criminal charges against websites that knowingly facilitate or promote sex trafficking. Walters said her amendment would allow victims to pursue federal civil claims against websites that deliberately facilitate or support sex trafficking. The legislation “is the most effective way to empower victims, equip state and local prosecutors, and ensure websites can no longer traffic children with impunity,” Wagner said. Consumer Watchdog praised the measure, saying it will allow prosecutors to hold websites like Backpage accountable for enabling child sex trafficking.