I intend to re-introduce a bill (former HB 394) that will reform the venue in which human trafficking lawsuits may be brought – making it easier for human trafficking victims to bring lawsuits against their offenders.  Last session, this bill passed the House with a unanimous vote. 
 
The Commonwealth’s comprehensive human trafficking protections include a provision specifically authorizing civil lawsuits to be brought by victims against any person who participates in the human trafficking of the victim, as well as against those who recruit, profit or maintain the victim in the sex trade, or who abuse or otherwise physically harm victims.  Some of those cases may be brought in the county where the victim resides, while others may also be filed in a county where the human trafficking violations occurred.  My bill will allow all of these lawsuits to be brought either where the victim resides or where the violations occurred. 
 
Please join me in supporting human trafficking victims by sponsoring this legislation.
 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0221: 18-3051(a)(2)