Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, recently introduced a bill intended to further combat human and sex trafficking, a Feb. 26 press release announced.

House Bill 118 is described as a “critical measure” to permanently establish the Alaska Council on Human and Sex Trafficking in Alaska state law. The council was originally established in 2021 through an administrative order issued by Gov. Mike Dunleavy; Vance’s bill would work to ensure its long-term stability and “strengthen the state’s commitment to addressing this crisis.”

According to the release, a state task force on human trafficking recommended in 2013 the creation of a permanent working group to address the issue. Following the council’s creation in 2021, the council’s 2022 report urged lawmakers to make its work permanent.

HB 118 would keep the council within the Department of Public Safety, allowing it to continue raising awareness, conducting research and recommending solutions to protect victims, the release states.

“Our goal is to ensure a seamless and cost-effective transition to a permanent Council while maintaining its current expertise and function,” Vance said in the release.

For questions, contact Vance’s office at Rep.Sarah.Vance@akleg.gov or 907-465-2689.