AUGUSTA – Rep. Holly B. Stover, D-Boothbay, introduced a bill on Tuesday to increase support for survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
LD 2168 would require individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to pay an additional fee. These funds would be directed to the state’s existing Victims’ Compensation Fund to help survivors of those crimes pay for counseling, lost wages and other related expenses.
“Human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation are truly atrocious crimes for one human being to commit against another, crimes that cause enduring harm and suffering that stay with survivors for the rest of their lives,” said Stover. “LD 2168 is an opportunity for us as lawmakers to stand up for these survivors of sexual violence and to ensure they have access to the support they need.”
Human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation have recently gained ongoing national attention due to the high-profile crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. Stover told members of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee that public awareness of these crimes is at an all-time high.
“This proposal ensures that accountability is meaningfully tied to survivor support,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, a cosponsor of the bill and longtime social worker. “From my experience working with survivors, as well as my own lived experiences as a survivor, I know that access to supportive services can be the difference between stability and continued crisis.”
LD 2168 will be scheduled for a work session in the coming days. At that time, members of the Judiciary Committee will have the opportunity to offer amendments before voting on a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Stover is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island. She is a member of the Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Gramlich is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach.
Contact: Brian Lee (Stover, Gramlich) | 305-965-2744