51 by 51

Creating the Virginia Prevention of Sex Trafficking Fund

Yesterday, we highlighted legislation to alert possible witnesses or victims of human trafficking to the availability of a means to report crimes or gain assistance. The General Assembly didn’t stop there in working to combat sex trafficking.

Legislation by Delegate David Yancey creates a Virginia Prevention of Sex Trafficking Fund for the purpose of promoting awareness, training, and education relating to sex trafficking. Fees related to numerous sex trafficking offenses are paid into the Fund.

The bill requires persons convicted of misdemeanor violations of prostitution, aiding prostitution, and using vehicles to promote prostitution to pay a $100 fee. Additionally, those convicted of certain certain felony violations will be required to pay a $500 fee.

The creation of this important fund combined with the funding for the fund is  is another one of the 51 accomplishments by the 51 members of the Republican-led House of Delegates.