Gov. introduces human trafficking proposal

Human trafficking is a serious problem in New Mexico. 

The state became one of the last states to put strong criminal prohibitions against human trafficking in 2008 making it a third degree felony. But Gov. Susanna Martinez, ABQ Mayor Richard Berry and two state representatives held a press conference about hammering down on human traffickers during the 2013 legislative session. 

The proposals include putting human traffickers on the sex offender registry if they sexually exploit a victim, like forcing the victim into prostitution; changing felonies to second degree if the victim is 16 years old or older and to a first degree felony if the victim is 15 years old or younger; and tightening the loophole for those accused of intending to traffick humans. 

Now, someone is charged if they officially have custody of a person.

Gov. introduces human trafficking proposal