Bill Permitting Execution for Perpetrators of Child Sex Trafficking Clears Senate Committee

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered a bill that would make sex trafficking of children under 12 or persons who are mentally incapacitated a capital felony, which could result in a death sentence. Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), sponsor of SB 1804, presented the bill to the committee on Tuesday, April 15. 

Joe Harmon, FCCB's policy coordinator, testified in opposition. "We agree that these horrific crimes are gravely evil," said Harmon. We commend efforts by law enforcement to combat the scourge of human trafficking, especially the trafficking of children. However, we oppose this bill because it expands the death penalty. Those who commit these depraved acts deserve a very severe punishment indeed. Nevertheless, we urge against the death penalty as that punishment," Harmon continued. "Not because the crime is not that bad - it is an appalling offense - but because it's possible for the state to punish the offender, protect the public, and still not cross that line of extinguishing a human life. All human life is sacred. Even after the commission of grave evil, the dignity of the human person is not lost. "

The bill narrowly passed the committee by a 5-4 vote and has one remaining committee of reference, Fiscal Policy. Companion HB 1283, sponsored by Representative Berny Jacques (R-Clear Water), is on the House Calendar on second reading.