(Indianapolis, Ind.) - In his State of the State speech earlier this month, Governor Mitch Daniels called on the General Assembly to send him bills cracking down on human trafficking before the Super Bowl.
It's now on his desk.
The governor will sign the bill into law Monday morning after the House passed the bill 93-0 on Friday. It's the frst bill out of the 2012 General Assembly to reach his desk.
When it becomes law, a conviction of human trafficking involving a minor will be raised to a Class A felony punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison.
Attorney General Greg Zoeller had made it his top priority as well, saying it will make it easier to prosecute people who force kids into the sex trade.
"Though it is an honor for Indiana to host the Super Bowl, many sincere voices have brought to light the fact that human trafficking is a shameful practice we can't ignore. With the Governor's signature, law enforcement and prosecutors will have a new legal tool to combat this problem," Zoeller said.
Human trafficking has been a growing problem around the Super Bowl each year in the host city.
Ripley Crossing 11th Annual Classic Cruise-In for Alzheimer’s
Former Dillsboro Volunteer Fire Department member James Ralph "Jim Vinup passes away at 84
Oldenburg Academy and Freudenfest Committee Launch Maypole Heritage Park Initiative
School Report Leads to Arrest of Sexually Violent Predator
Indiana State Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Decatur County
BODY CAM FOOTAGE: One Injured in Aurora Fire
