Edina Legislators Working to Protect Sex Trafficking Victims

State Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-49) and State Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-49B) are working to help protect victims of sex trafficking in Minnesota, recently co-authoring companion bills that would expand the state's Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Law.

SF384 and HF485 would ensure that children 15 years and younger who are sexually exploited or at risk of being exploited are treated as victims under state law rather than as criminals. The original Safe Harbor Law was signed into law in July 2011.

“The worst thing we can do is treat sexually exploited youth, that have been forced into this world, as criminals and refuse to provide the therapeutic services they need and deserve,” Franzen said in a statement. "This legislation takes a comprehensive, victim-centered approach to ensure these youth are on a road to recovery.”

Franzen co-authored the bill in the Senate, alongside senators Sandra Pappas (DFL-65), Kathy Sheran (DFL-19) and Tony Lourey (DFL-11). State Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-49B) was among 11 co-authors on the House version of the same bill.

The bill includes provisions for the construction, renovation and operation of Safe Harbor shelter and housing for young sex trafficking victims. It also seeks to establish a pair of funds to finance support services for sex-trafficked children as well as training for law enforcement and other front-line personnel. Franzen said it's crucial law enforcement personnel have the proper training to identify the victims of sex trafficking, then investigate and prosecute the traffickers.

"It is time to put our resources into the protection and healing for the victims as well as prosecution and conviction efforts for the traffickers,” Franzen said. 

Here’s a rundown of other bills recently authored or co-authored by your legislators:

Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-49): 

• Chief authored a bill allowing active duty service members to take a peace officer reciprocity examination. SF319, introduced Feb. 7.
• Authored a bill amending the duties and reporting dates for the Minnesota task force on prematurity. SF321, introduced Feb. 7.
  
• Chief authored a bill regulating electronic funds transfers (EFT) and modifying application of the uniform commercial code (UCC) to funds transfer as defined under the federal electronic fund transfer act. SF336, introduced Feb. 7.
• Authored a bill appropriating $118 million to the Metropolitan Council for the Southwest Corridor light rail transit line. SF338, introduced Feb. 7.
• Chief authored the Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, which would govern the disposition of property at the death of a married person. SF350, introduced Feb. 11.
• Authored a bill expanding the state's Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Law (see above). SF384, introduced Feb. 11.

Rep. Ron Erhardt (DFL-49A):

• Authored a bill modifying body-gripping trap restrictions for hunting and fishing. HF456, introduced Feb. 11.
• Authored a bill eliminating sales tax on purchases by political subdivisions. HF469, introduced Feb. 11.
• Authored a bill appropriating $118 million to the Metropolitan Council for the Southwest Corridor light rail transit line. HF475, introduced Feb. 11.
• Authored a bill expanding the state's vehicle lighting display requirement. HF478, introduced Feb. 11.
  
• Authored a bill authorizing local authorities to use traffic safety cameras to regulate traffic at intersections. HF487, introduced Feb. 11.
• Authored a bill increasing the filing fee charged for by driver's license agents from $5 to $8 per application. HF500, introduced Feb. 11.

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-49B):

• Authored a bill adopting the Minnesota Companion Animal Protection Act. HF391, introduced Feb. 6.
• Authored a bill appropriating $118 million to the Metropolitan Council for the Southwest Corridor light rail transit line. HF475, introduced Feb. 11.
  
• Authored a bill expanding the state's Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Law (see above). HF485, introduced Feb. 11.
  
• Authored a bill defining solicitor for the nexus requirement of the U.S. Constitution. HF492, introduced Feb. 11.
  

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