Lawmakers Scramble to Amend Arizona Trafficking Law Risking Life Sentences for Victims

Arizona’s legislative landscape is shifting as Republican lawmakers react to the unintended consequences of a ballot initiative approved last year, Proposition 313. Initially designed to impose life sentences on individuals convicted of child sex trafficking, the proposal inadvertently risked penalizing juvenile victims forced into trafficking.

In response, GOP legislators are now working to revise the legislation. Their goal is to ensure that juvenile victims of sex trafficking do not face life sentences. However, amending a voter-approved law is complex; it requires a super-majority vote in both legislative chambers.

Rep. Selina Bliss from Prescott has taken the lead on this issue, sponsoring House Bill 2207. This bill aims to exempt juvenile victims from life sentences if they can prove they were both minors and victims of trafficking. While it addresses a crucial concern, it still allows for the prosecution of these individuals under trafficking laws.

Arizona’s Constitution presents a challenge for lawmakers regarding voter-approved legislation. Any changes now necessitate significant bipartisan support to pass. During a recent committee hearing, concerns arose over how the law could affect young victims who might be re-targeted as they transition into adulthood. Rep. Khyl Powell raised this point, questioning the potential for the law to cycle victims back into the system.

Democratic representatives expressed frustration over the missed opportunity to address these issues before the bill went to voters. Rep. Alma Hernandez pointed out that many voices warned of these unintended consequences during the legislative process last year.

Bliss acknowledged that the oversight was regrettable but stated her commitment to rectifying the mistake. Fellow Republican Rep. Alexander Kolodin praised her initiative, highlighting the challenge politicians face when admitting errors in significant legislation.

The bill has passed out of committee unanimously and will now go before the full House of Representatives for further consideration. The outcome will be closely watched as Arizona grapples with how best to balance stringent anti-trafficking measures while protecting its most vulnerable citizens.