MA House to Debate Human Trafficking Bill

Boston, MA – The Massachusetts House is set to debate a bill designed to crack down on those involved in the sex trade of young people. WAMC's Tristan O'Neill reports...

The legislation would create the crime of human trafficking in Massachusetts, one of just five states without its own trafficking law. The House is expected to pass the bill today.

Attorney General Martha Coakley has pushed for tougher laws targeting the fastest growing type of criminal enterprise in Massachusetts.

Coakley says sex trade is flourishing in part because state penalties are relatively light and the young people pressed into prostitution - often teenage girls - can be forced to engage in sex repeatedly.

A human trafficking bill passed the Senate last session, but died in the House.
The Senate could debate the bill later in the week.

Tristan O'Neill, WAMC News.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.