—The first of four bills authored by Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R—San Luis Obispo) to fight human trafficking has passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

On its way to the Assembly Floor, the legislation would make it easier for victims’ statements to be heard at trial. Due to fear of retaliation and post-traumatic stress, many victims have demonstrated an unwillingness to testify or have altered their statements in the past. This bill would allow previous statements given at conditional examinations to be used in court – making it easier to put traffickers behind bars.

“They are not criminals because they are trafficked, they are victims,” said Cunningham. “Moving this bill is another victory in our efforts to fight human trafficking and end the fastest growing criminal industry in the world.”

A former Deputy District Attorney and public safety advocate, Assemblyman Cunningham has started to emerge as a statewide leader on the issue. He has also introduced bills that would strengthen and extend protections for trafficking victims and add those who solicit minors to Megan’s Law. For more information on all four bills, click here.

Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham is a small business owner, former Templeton School Board Member, husband and father of four. He represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Cambria, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Orcutt, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.

Assemblyman’s bill to fight human trafficking passes committee stage