Rep. Vargas’ “Hazel’s Law” Continues to Gain Momentum in the House of Representatives
Washington, DC (July 11, 2013) –Rep. Juan Vargas’ (CA-51) H.R. 1690, “The Child Protection Act of 2013” - “Hazel’s Law,” is continuing to gain momentum in the U.S. House of Representatives, receiving strong bipartisan support. Hazel’s Law, which now boasts 41 cosponsors, 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 prosecutors struggled to prove the trafficker knew his victim was a minor.
“Hazel’s Law addresses a very real and pressing human rights issues and its passage is essential if we want to ensure that child sex traffickers are successfully prosecuted,” said Rep. Vargas. “I am very proud that Hazel’s Law is continuing to gain strong bipartisan support from my colleagues.”
Currently, if a trafficker does not cross state lines, it falls on the prosecution to gather sufficient evidence proving that the trafficker knew the age of the victim, an extraordinarily difficult task since those forced into sexual slavery are frequently scared to confront their traffickers. Removing the knowledge of age requirement would better reflect the strict liability included in other established criminal statutes involving child exploitation.
“Those who victimize our children must receive sentences that fit their crimes,” stated Vargas. “I will continue to fight for justice on behalf of child sex trafficking survivors and I am optimistic thatHazel’s Law will keep receiving strong bipartisan support.”
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.