Judiciary Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Judiciary Committee

REASONS FOR BILL:

Former Speaker James Amann brought this to the attention to the Judiciary Committee. Currently, Connecticut does not require publishers to verify the age of those employed by the “escort” agencies who advertise in their publications. This bill would establish a crime of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor under which a person may be guilty if such person knowingly publishes, disseminates or displays an advertisement for a commercial sex act which is to take place in this state and includes a depiction of a minor without first ascertaining the true age of the person depicted in the advertisement.

SUBSTITUTE LANGUAGE:

The substitute language primary deletes subsections 2, 5, 5b, and 5c. It also changes who is guilty of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor from the person who knowingly publishes advertising space to the person knowingly purchasing advertising space.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

None Expressed

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Former Speaker of the House, James A. Amann: Supports this bill. Human and sex trafficking is one of today's quietest crises, taking place in our homes through the internet and in print publications that are widely accessible. This bill would be a needed crime-fighting tool on the ongoing battle against human and sexual trafficking in CT.

Center for Youth Leadership, Emily Todd and Carly Cordovano: Supports this bill. The CYL believes that HB-5504 coupled with public pressure will prevent online advertisers from carrying prostitution advertising.

Author of “The Berlin Turnpike: A True Story of Human Trafficking in America, Raymond Bechard: Supports this bill. This bill would require publishers to verify the age of everyone employed by the “escort” agencies. It would make all those involved criminally liable for running “escort” advertisement from anyone using minors for paid sex.

Katell: Supports this bill. Ms. Katell recounts her personal story about being a victim of human trafficking and how public advertisements under the “escort” section of many prominent newspapers promote prostitution.

Corinne Gworek: Supports this bill. Mrs. Corinne Gworek, a resident of Simsbury recounts her personal story about prostitution in her town. She believes that the incident of prostitution occurred directly from “escort” advertisements and that now all towns are at increased exposure to prostitution. She urges the passage of the bill to protect the children and all victims of human trafficking.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

CT Daily Newspapers Association, Chris VanDeHoef: Opposes this bill. Mr. VanDeHoef supports the intent of protecting minors and youths from sexual exploitation however does not support the proposal as drafted. However, CDNA is interesting in working with legislators to find a workable solution. Addressed in the substitute language.