Rep. Vargas’ “Hazel’s Law” Garners Unanimous Support from Imperial County Board of Supervisors
El Centro, CA (July 16, 2013) – Today, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted to unanimously support Rep. Juan Vargas’ (CA-51) H.R. 1690, “The Child Protection Act of 2013” - “Hazel’s Law”. Hazel’s Law, a bipartisan bill which has 42 cosponsors and the unanimous support of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, would remove the knowledge of age requirement for child sex trafficking cases. The bill is based on a San Diego case which was delayed while the prosecution fought to prove the trafficker knew his victim was underage.
“I am elated that the Imperial County Board of Supervisors has voted to unanimously support Hazel’s Law,” said Rep. Vargas. “Child sex trafficking is a horrible crime that is most effectively combatted when all levels of government work together to ensure that those who target our children are punished to the full extent of the law.”
“This is a bill our board wholeheartedly supports. I feel it’s important to support a bill that will help streamline and strengthen the prosecution process of child sex traffickers,” said Supervisor Jack Terrazas (D-2). “Any legislation that will possibly help reduce human trafficking is legislation this Board will support.”
Presently, if a trafficker does not cross state lines, the prosecution must gather sufficient evidence proving that the trafficker knew the age of the victim, an extremely difficult task because those who are sexually enslaved are often scared to confront their traffickers. Removing the knowledge of age requirement would better reflect the strict liability included in other criminal statutes involving child exploitation.
Supervisor Michael Kelley (D-3) stated, “Human trafficking is a big problem in the United States and I feel that it is very important to educate our community of this widespread issue in order to protect our children. I am pleased to see Congressman Vargas tackling this issue head on with Hazel’s Law and as a board we’re happy to help raise awareness of this rising problem.”
“Our children deserve to be protected and I will continue to fight for justice on behalf of all who have been forced into sexual slavery,” stated Vargas. “Hazel’s Law would give our prosecutors the tools necessary to prosecute those who victimize our children.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.