Bill

SB 1257

86(R) - 2019
Senate State Affairs
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate State Affairs
House Criminal Jurisprudence

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Joan Huffman

Co-Author(s)

Brandon Creighton
Charles Perry

Sponsor(s)

Greg Bonnen
Jeff Leach

Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of the attorney general to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses involving the trafficking of persons.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal impact to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1257 would give concurrent jurisdiction to the Attorney General over multi-jurisdictional human trafficking cases. This would allow for more efficient investigation and prosecution of large human trafficking rings.

The bill would also give concurrent jurisdiction to the Attorney General in single-jurisdictional human trafficking cases if the local prosecutor exercises first right of refusal and decides not to prosecute the case. This essentially allows the Attorney General to act as a backstop and decide to investigate and prosecute in the event that a local prosecutor decides not to prosecute a case that should be prosecuted. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

One hallmark of a limited government is a justice system that is efficient and effective, within the bounds of due process and proportional punishment for offenses. This legislation supports limited government by making prosecution of human trafficking, particularly trafficking that covers multiple jurisdictions, more efficient and effective. For these reasons we support SB 1257.