COLUMBUS – Governor DeWine Thursday signed the latest law aimed at cracking down on human trafficking.
Senate Bill 5, sponsored by senators Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) strengthens criminal penalties for individuals who are convicted of promoting prostitution in Ohio.
“Prostitution is directly linked to human trafficking, and stronger penalties are needed to help stop this cruel industry from trapping its victims in a vicious cycle of abuse and forced crime,” Kunze said.
The bill prohibits any person from knowingly taking part in the creation or operation of any enterprise that facilitates engagement in sexual activity for hire, such as a brothel.
The legislation compliments a series of bills passed over the last several years aimed at combatting human trafficking in Ohio.
DeWine also signed a bill designating June 12 as Women Veteran’s Day.