SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - This week the Georgia Governor’s Office, on behalf of First Lady Marty Kemp, rolled out its 10th piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on human traffickers and buyers in the state while making Georgia a safe haven for victims.

According to the release, “The latest bill championed by First Lady Kemp, SB 42 closes a critical loophole in Georgia law and ensures traffickers face the full penalty that their crimes demand. Currently, the conduct prohibited by Georgia’s human trafficking statute against minors is substantially similar to the conduct prohibited by the crime of keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering against minors.”

It goes on to read, “Rule of lenity, a legal principle asserting courts should apply the more favorable sentence to defendants when the law is ambiguous, could lead to judges awarding lesser sentences to offenders as a result of this loophole.”

“Georgia is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking because of our work supporting survivors and shining a light on the dark corners where this crime thrives,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “The legislation introduced today will further that mission by ensuring proper penalties for offenders and securing greater justice for their victims. It will also build on the other initiatives we’re launching this week to make Georgians more aware of the dangers of human trafficking and how to report suspected trafficking situations.”

As a part of Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month -- observed each January -- First Lady Kemp marked the occasion by announcing the following initiatives to better equip Georgians with the knowledge and tools to end this evil industry in the state:

“In conjunction with the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), the First Lady is releasing an updated human trafficking awareness training for state employees. This enhanced training incorporates new information on what Georgia has done in the years since to support survivors and empower law enforcement to go after offenders. Administered by DOAS, the training will be available to all state agencies, who are encouraged to have their employees participate.

The First Lady also unveiled, in partnership with the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), a public service announcement (PSA) that will run at the state’s ports. With thousands of trucks entering and exiting port facilities each day, this PSA will help bring attention to what drivers traveling through high-traffic destinations across the state can do to help end sex trafficking in Georgia. The PSA can be viewed here.

The Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch even spoke out about the initiative.

“Georgia Ports joins with Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp and the CJCC organization to work together to end human trafficking in our state. Trucking companies are Georgia Ports’ frontline customers and are vital to our success. Their assistance is also instrumental in ending human trafficking by learning more about it and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement as they drive around the Peach State every day,” said Lynch.

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