Covington | Maple Valley Reporter

The Washington state Legislature passed two measures to combat human trafficking by supporting victims forced into prostitution and increase penalties on traffickers.

“Too often victims of sex trafficking suffer severe personal and legal consequences while those that forced them into the situation get away with much less,” said Sen. Joe Fain in a press release. “Legal records for those forced into prostitution as a minor shouldn’t prohibit their ability to get a job and participate fully in society.”

Fain represents South King County where human trafficking has been increasingly targeted through local law enforcement initiatives and a countywide education campaign.

Both measures passed the Legislature unanimously and now head to the governor to be signed into law. Lawmakers are in the 54th day of the 2014 60-day session.