BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) North Dakota lawmakers are considering several measures aimed at combating sex trafficking in the state.
The legislation includes increased penalties for sex traffickers and funding for services to victims. It also would prohibit sexually exploited youths from being treated as criminals.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that the sex trafficking was only ``suspected'' in North Dakota until recently. Stenehjem and others told the committee that sex trafficking has become an increased problem in the now oil-rich state.
Christina Sambor heads an anti-sex trafficking coalition in the state. She told the committee that they need only to look on the internet ``to see the prevalence'' of sex trafficking in North Dakota.
Stenehjem says the five bills under consideration ``represent real solutions'' to curb sex trafficking.