North Carolina lawmakers introduce bill to combat human trafficking

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Amid rising reported cases of human trafficking, North Carolina lawmakers are calling for new measures to deter sex buyers and increase awareness of these crimes.

A bill recently approved by the House Judiciary Committee 2 would put in place new requirements for hotel and vacation rental operators and increase penalties the first time a person solicits another person for purposes of prostitution.

Under the bill, the first time a person is charged with solicitation of prostitution, it would be a felony rather than a misdemeanor. A person who engages in prostitution will not be charged.

“Because solicitation of prostitution is currently only a misdemeanor in North Carolina, it is not taken seriously by the public, by law enforcement, by the justice system,” Pam said Strickland, founder of NC Stop Human Trafficking. “Increasing the penalty for purchasing sex probably won't stop drug users, but will almost certainly reduce the purchase of sex among the most casual buyers. »

Nationally, human trafficking cases increased 49% between 2011 and 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The North Carolina Attorney General's Office says in 2021, 223 cases involving 340 victims in the state were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 888-373-7888 or texting 233733.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in January that his agency had seen a 77 percent increase in human trafficking cases compared to the previous year.

The House bill would direct the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to develop human trafficking awareness training.

Certain hotel and vacation rental employees and contractors would be required to complete this training.

Rep. Kevin Crutchfield (R-Cabarrus), who is sponsoring the bill, said he worked with tourism industry executives, real estate agents and other stakeholders to develop the legislation.

He said this “does not undo regulation of the industry while simultaneously working to combat human trafficking.”

The bill also allocates $500,000 to the Administrative Office of the Courts for an awareness campaign.