Bill Permitting Execution as Penalty for Child Trafficking Clears House Committee

On April 8, HB 1283, sponsored by Representative Berny Jacques (R-Clear Water), was considered by the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would make sex trafficking of children under 12 or persons who are mentally incapacitated a capital felony, which could result in a death sentence. 

Joe Harmon, FCCB's policy coordinator, testified before the committee. "We of course agree that the trafficking of children and vulnerable individuals for sexual exploitation is a heinous depravity and an assault on human dignity," said Harmon. "FCCB agrees severe punishments are necessary, but opposes the use of the death penalty as such a tool. All human life is sacred. The dignity of the human person is not lost even after the commission of evil acts." 

Harmon also mentioned the high cost of carrying out the death penalty, as well as the number of erroneous convictions and botched executions in the state. 

The committee voted 15-3 to approve the bill, and it has been placed on the House Calendar on second reading. Companion SB 1804, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), is on the agenda for the House Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, April 15.