State Representative Nicole La Ha has been appointed to the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. The task force is responsible for studying human trafficking in Illinois and will hold hearings to develop a statewide plan to address the issue.
“Every person has inherent worth and human trafficking stands directly against that belief,” said Representative La Ha. “By strengthening victim protection, holding perpetrators responsible and closing legal loopholes, we are sending the message that Illinois will not tolerate the exploitation and victimization of our residents.”
La Ha noted that despite legislative progress, recent cases show human trafficking remains a problem in suburban Chicago. She highlighted several legislative proposals she sponsors or supports, including removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking cases involving minors (HB 1114), eliminating affirmative defenses for those who patronize minors in prostitution (HB 1467), amending the Sex Offender Registration Act to include convictions for trafficking and involuntary servitude (HB 1469), creating a Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act (HB 5469), and making Human Trafficking Resource Signs more visible at state rest areas (HB 4654).
“I am hopeful that this task force will do the hard work and hold people who commit these heinous crimes accountable in Illinois,” said La Ha.
La Ha, a Republican, was elected to represent Illinois’ 82nd House District in 2023, succeeding John Egofske.
Updates on these bills can be found at the Illinois General Assembly’s website, ILGA.gov, or on Representative La Ha’s legislative website at RepLaHa.com.
Nicole La Ha serves the 82nd District in Springfield.
