SCR 1021, the proposed legislation that aims to give Arizona voters a chance to decide whether criminals who commit child sex trafficking should qualify for life in prison without being eligible for any chance of parole or release, passed in a House vote (31-27) on Monday.
SCR 1021 focuses on traffickers convicted of a class 2 felony and recently passed out of the Senate with the complete support of Republicans.
In a post on Twitter (X), Representative Leo Biasiucci (R-Lake Havasu) called SCR 1021 a “Huge win for Arizona” and for “all the innocent children forced into child sex trafficking. Life in prison for anybody involved in child sex trafficking will be on the Arizona ballot in November!”
The bill is an effort to protect Arizona’s citizens and communities from crimes resulting from the border invasion caused by the lack of enforcement of immigration laws by the Biden Administration and to deter horrendous acts of child sex trafficking.
During the House floor session, Representative Analise Ortiz (D-Phoenix) urged that changes be made to the proposed legislation to ensure “that we do not unintentionally put minors away for life, minors who are victims themselves of sex trafficking” and added, “Let’s not make the harsh mistake of sending an imperfect piece of legislation to the voters.” Additionally, Representative Ortiz commented on how she “appreciated that there was a statement made by the majority party” that the proposed legislation “does need a fix on it.”
Following Representative Ortiz, Representative Selina Bliss (R-Prescott) cautioned, “Do not let anyone distract you from the clear purpose of this bill,” and explained that many amendments had been made. The “bill is solid,” and “we are sending a strong message here in Arizona that our children are not for sale, not now, not ever.”
In the previous Senate floor session on SCR 1021, Senator Janea Shamp (R-Surprise) expressed support for the bill and said, “Child sex trafficking is the modern-day slavery. I think we can admit now that evil is alive and well in our world. Traffickers are stealing our children as young as five years of age to sell them into a life of misery and despair.” She also spoke of how both boys and girls are taken from their families, “sold over and over and over,” and “forced to perform some of the most unspeakable acts.” After having met with victims of trafficking, Senator Shamp said she had seen “what this life has done to them.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-San Miguel), who sponsored the bill, said in a recent press release on SCR 1021 that human trafficking is occurring throughout Arizona, and because of “a wide-open southern border and derelict government agencies, cases of human trafficking are on the rise.”
Senator Bolick also said, “Republican state lawmakers stand united to send a message to those disgusting animals responsible for stealing our children’s innocence– Arizona’s children are our most valuable resource. We would like everyone to know, our children are not for sale. One Arizona child who is victimized is one too many.”
As of Monday, SCR 1021 has been transmitted back to the Senate for further consideration.
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Debra McClure is a reporter at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Debra on X / Twitter
