Ohio House Republicans announced that the Ohio House approved the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, sponsored by State Reps. Nick Santucci and Josh Williams, aimed at strengthening protections and combating human trafficking across the state.
According to a post on X by Ohio House Republicans, January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. They shared that House Bill 47, known as the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, has passed the Ohio House with unanimous support. The bill seeks to increase penalties for traffickers from 15 years to life imprisonment and underscores that participants in human trafficking are not welcome in Ohio. The legislation now awaits consideration in the Senate.
The Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force reported that in 2025, law enforcement in Ohio made 43 arrests and secured 84 indictments related to human trafficking. Their efforts also led to the rescue or assistance of 72 victims, seizure of nearly $100,000 in assets, conduction of 32 investigations, and provision of awareness training to 1,400 individuals.
Globally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates millions are affected by human trafficking. Approximately 77% of victims are involved in forced labor while 23% are subjected to sex trafficking. Victims consist of 57% males and 43% females, with traffickers often using violence, debt bondage, and psychological control for exploitation.
The Ohio House GOP functions as the Republican caucus within the Ohio House of Representatives. It advocates for policies that promote public safety, economic growth, and community protection while supporting legislation focused on issues such as human trafficking prevention and family welfare.
