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Today, Congressman Michael McCaul and Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter have reintroduced a piece of legislation aimed at increasing penalties for human trafficking offenses involving children. The bill has been renamed the Sheila Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act to honor the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who co-authored the original legislation.
"Human trafficking is an unspeakable and egregious violation of human rights, and it often preys upon the most vulnerable among us: our children," said Rep. McCaul. He highlighted that over 80,000 minors are known victims of trafficking in Texas alone, with numbers rising among school-aged children. "I am proud to introduce this legislation alongside Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter. I know she will carry on her mother’s fighting spirit to combat the scourge of human trafficking."
Congresswoman Lee Carter expressed gratitude towards Rep. McCaul for reintroducing the bill in honor of her mother. "As a leader in combatting human and sex trafficking, this legacy bill 'The Sheila Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act' will continue to live on representing her zealous advocacy," she stated.
Originally introduced during the 117th Congress by Rep. McCaul and former Congresswoman Jackson Lee under a different title, this bill proposes an additional five years of prison time for specific human trafficking offenses occurring within school zones or 1,000 feet from school-sponsored activities.