Latest news with #HouseBill118
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alaska House bill raises concerns about transparency, necessity of the trafficking council
The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) House Bill 118, a proposal to solidify the Alaska Governor's Council on Human and Sex Trafficking into a permanent fixture of the state government, is a deeply concerning one, fraught with potential for continuing abuse and a demonstrated lack of necessity and accountability. A close examination of the council's track record, its potential for misuse, and the actual landscape of human and sex trafficking cases in Alaska, as revealed by recent data, paints a clear picture: A council is not the solution Alaska needs and should not be granted permanent status. One of the most damning indictments against the council is its blatant lack of transparency. Community United for Safety and Protection, or CUSP, an advocacy group for survivors, has repeatedly encountered significant challenges in accessing public meetings and obtaining meeting minutes. In testimony to the Alaska House Judiciary Committee, CUSP members, including myself, outlined obstacles to participating in council meetings. In 2022, we were unable to join an online meeting, not informed about another, and denied access to requested public records. In 2023, we waited 30 minutes to be admitted to a meeting but were never let in, and another meeting was rescheduled at the last minute, limiting public participation. One CUSP member was only admitted after using a variation of their first name. This conduct is in direct violation of Alaska's Open Meetings Act. A state council dedicated to such a critical issue should hear from those with lived experience and expertise. There is reason for concern that the council could create conflicts of interest for its members, who are handpicked by the state's governor. While direct financial compensation for council members is barred under the bill, the individuals who have been appointed so far have had affiliations with organizations and projects that stand to receive state funding or grants. This creates an inherent conflict of interest, as the council's decisions could be influenced by the potential for financial gain for its past members' associated entities rather than the best interests of trafficking survivors. This potential for self-serving practices, shielded by a lack of transparency, is a significant reason to oppose the council's permanent establishment. Examining the actual prevalence of sex trafficking in Alaska, as documented in a CUSP report, 'Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Charges in Alaska, 2020-2024,' further weakens the argument for the necessity of this council. The report reveals a startlingly low number of actual sex trafficking charges of adults at the state and federal levels, with only three state cases identified over the nearly five years of the research period and no federal charges. The data suggests that the legal framework is often applied in ways that do not align with the common understanding of forced labor and exploitation in the sex industry. Many federal cases labeled as sex trafficking of minors were essentially child molestation cases where payment was involved. An antitrafficking review report highlights that antiprostitution and sex trafficking laws, as they stand and are enforced, often fail to address the root causes of exploitation and can even harm marginalized individuals. Given the council's consistent lack of transparency, the potential for conflicts of interest, and the questionable application of sex trafficking laws in Alaska, the argument for making the council a permanent entity crumbles. Alaska's ability to combat sex trafficking has remained unchanged despite the council's inactivity for over eight months, further proving its irrelevance. Organizations like CUSP, composed of sex workers and sex trafficking survivors, are actively engaged in providing feedback and advocating for effective policies based on their lived experiences. Their exclusion from the council's processes highlights a fundamental flaw in its structure and purpose. Instead of solidifying a non-transparent and potentially self-serving body, the Alaska Legislature should prioritize evidence-based solutions and accountability. There is a need to reevaluate how sex trafficking laws are applied, focusing on genuine cases of force, fraud, and coercion, and separating child sexual abuse from prostitution statutes. Empowering and listening to the voices of those directly affected by the criminalization of prostitution and sex trafficking, rather than relying on an insular council, is crucial for developing effective strategies to address these complex issues in Alaska. Rather than institutionalize a council that lacks transparency and has demonstrated a failure to meaningfully address trafficking, the state could direct resources toward survivor-led initiatives, evidence-based harm reduction strategies, and comprehensive social services that address the root causes of exploitation. The passage of HB118 would only perpetuate ineffective policies while causing additional harm to the communities it claims to protect. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A House bill could establish a permanent commitment to ending human trafficking in Alaska
Budding trees and bushes are seen in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Human trafficking is a hidden crisis in Alaska, affecting some of our most vulnerable residents. It is not confined to major cities but extends to rural communities, where economic hardship and geographic isolation can create conditions ripe for exploitation. To tackle this issue effectively, we need a coordinated, sustained effort—one that House Bill 118 can provide by establishing a permanent Council on Human and Sex Trafficking. The conditions that lead to human trafficking are challenging to address in rural Alaska. In the Yukon-Kuskokwim region and beyond, high costs of living, housing shortages, and food insecurity contribute to vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. Covenant House Alaska began working in the region a few years ago in partnership with the Bethel Community Services Foundation, the Bethel Winter House, Tundra Women's Coalition, and the Bethel Regional High School. These efforts, supported by partners like Donlin Gold, focus on addressing these root causes by providing essential services and support to those in need. Thanks to these key partnerships, Covenant House has successfully established a program to help high school students graduate—creating a crucial barrier to exploitation and trafficking. Additionally, in collaboration with Bethel Winter House, our federally funded anti-human trafficking initiatives have already identified more than 15 young people as victims of human trafficking. While we are grateful for the progress made through these partnerships, the discussion around House Bill 118 brings into sharp focus the reality that we have a long way to go. HB 118 will establish the Council on Human and Sex Trafficking within the Department of Public Safety, coordinating data collection, victim services, and public awareness initiatives. Unlike past ad hoc councils that dissolved before achieving lasting change, this council will provide the continuity and accountability Alaska needs to combat trafficking effectively. This legislation presents a critical opportunity for all stakeholders—government, business, and community organizations—to rally around a shared commitment to ending human trafficking. The private sector plays a key role in these efforts. Donlin Gold has long supported initiatives that strengthen rural Alaska, investing in programs that provide stability and opportunity for vulnerable populations. Their contributions have funded job training programs, youth education initiatives, and housing efforts that create a stronger foundation for those at risk. This type of corporate commitment is essential in building resilient communities that can prevent trafficking before it happens. Passing HB 118 is not just about policy—it's about protecting Alaskans from exploitation and ensuring that survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives. We urge lawmakers to pass this bill and encourage all Alaskans to voice their support. Together, with the combined efforts of government, nonprofit organizations, and responsible corporate partners, we can and must build a future where every individual can live free from exploitation and fear. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Hefner proposes bills to eliminate threats towards Texas
MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (KETK)– Texas State Rep. Cole Hefner of Mount Pleasant has proposed three bills aimed at 'eliminating threats' from foreign adversaries and the Chinese Communist Party. East Texas state representative proposes bill to protect children from explicit content in public libraries 'As the previous Chair of the Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations, I was afforded a deep understanding of the alarming threat that hostile foreign adversaries pose to Texas. They have proven their willingness to utilize unrestricted warfare to inflict harm on our State,' Hefner said. The three bills introduced are: House Bill 17 – Prohibiting Ownership of Texas land by Hostile Foreign Adversaries House Bill 41 – Prohibiting Government Acquisition of Unmanned Aircraft Manufactured in Hostile Foreign Countries House Bill 118 – Establishing the Texas Advisory Committee on Pacific Conflict These 10 Democrats voted to advance the GOP funding bill Hefner isn't the first Texas representative to propose bills to prevent threats against Texas. United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn recently proposed a bill in March. 'The threat China poses to the United States' national and economic security continues to grow, and we have a generational opportunity to confront it with the FIGHT China Act,' Cornyn said. 'By prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in China, this bill would help ensure American ingenuity, innovation and investment do not end up in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party to be weaponized against us. The need to address capital flowing from the U.S. to bad actor nations was first realized during the first Trump administration, and I look forward to finishing what we started then by getting this vital priority over the finish line.' In a press release, Hefner said Texans should fight against 'unrestricted warfare'. 'To combat the CCP strategy of unrestricted warfare, Texas must be willing to fight this battle on many fronts,' Hefner said. 'I am grateful to Speaker Burrows for his recognition of this critical issue and to my House colleagues who have stepped forward to file effective legislation that will combat this significant threat.' HB17, HB41 and HB118 have all been filed and are currently being reviewed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
