COLUMBUST — On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine plans to sign two important bills into law. One is part of a statewide effort to fight human trafficking. The other will honor women who have served our country.
Senate Bill 5 will make it easier to charge and prosecute people involved in human trafficking.
It strengthens criminal penalties for people convicted of promoting prostitution, meaning anyone who knowingly is taking part in creating or operating a business that revolves around sexual activity for hire, l like a brothel.
Officials say prostitution is directly linked to human trafficking and they hope this bill helps curb that.
It's estimated about 1,200 people in Ohio called the national "Human Trafficking Hotline" last year for help. Ohio was recently named as one of the worst states in the country when it comes to sex trafficking.
The second bill to be signed by DeWine Thursday is Senate Bill 77. It will officially name June 12 as Women’s Veterans’ Day in Ohio. More than 67,000 women veterans are living in our state.
State senators say this bill reaffirms the state's promise to care for and honor them.
DeWine intends to sign both bills at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus at 2:45 p.m. Thursday.