SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri House of Representatives passed a measure Monday to increase penalties for child sex crime convictions in Missouri.
According to the measure, House Bill 132, those convicted of first-degree child sex trafficking would face life in prison without a chance for parole or probation.
“Today, the Missouri House has spoken with one voice in defense of our children,” House Speaker Dean Plocher said. “We stand united in our resolve to hold accountable those who prey on the innocence of our youth. This amendment sends a resounding message: those who commit sexual trafficking crimes against children will face severe consequences. By enacting this amendment, we are taking a decisive stand against the scourge of sexual trafficking and reaffirming our commitment to justice for victims.”
The bill is sponsored by State Representative Wendy Hausman, a Republican representing part of St. Charles County. It will be presented to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
“As a mother, grandmother, and legislator, I am deeply committed to ensuring that the punishment for these crimes is both just and effective. Our children deserve the highest level of protection, and this resolution underscores our unwavering dedication to their safety and well-being,” Hausman said. “Let’s protect our children and convey a powerful message to traffickers: their actions will not be tolerated. Our children are not commodities; they are our most precious treasures, deserving of every safeguard we can provide. This resolution will allow Missouri voters to truly make a difference and loudly proclaim, once and for all: Missouri’s children are not for sale!”
Currently, the penalty for first-degree child sex trafficking in Missouri is up to a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole or probation until the convicted party has served at least 25 years in prison.
First-degree child sex trafficking is defined as knowingly causing a person under the age of twelve to engage in a commercial sex act, a sexual performance, or the production of explicit sexual material through the use of force, abduction, coercion, fraud, deception, blackmail, or causing or threatening to cause financial harm, among other means.
The penalty for second-degree child sex trafficking is a minimum sentence of ten years in prison and up to life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation.
Second-degree child sex trafficking is defined as causing a person under the age of eighteen to engage in a commercial sex act, a sexual performance, or the production of explicit sexual material through the use of force, abduction, coercion, fraud, deception, blackmail, or causing or threatening to cause financial harm, among other means.