Resolution to Implement a Life Sentence in Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor in Idaho

Whereas, children are a gift from God and should be treated that way. Human trafficking of minors is one of the most heinous and heart wrenching crimes in America. Due to the defenseless nature of the victims, those who are found guilty should face the harshest penalties; and 

Whereas, human trafficking has high returns. Sex trafficking alone has a market value of $99 billion. According to Project Safe Child, at any given time, 50,000 predators are on the internet actively seeking out children. Every 40 seconds, a child goes missing or is abducted in the United States. Approximately 840,000 children are reported missing each year. According to the data from MissingKids.org, there were 128 cases of missing children reported in Idaho in 2021, that's an average of 2 a week; and 

Whereas, Alabama has just enacted the toughest human trafficking laws in the country, making it a life sentence imprisonment for sex trafficking a minor. Additionally, Arizona currently has legislation on their November ballot, asking the people in supporting a life sentence if convicted as a child sex trafficker; and 

Whereas, because of the severity of this crime and terrible impact sex trafficking has on minors, many state advocates for children are calling for tougher punishments for traffickers; and 

Whereas, current Idaho statutes say, a person who commits human sex trafficking of a child as described in section 18-8608, Idaho code, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for a period no less than 10 years and no more than 30 years, or by a fine of no less than $20,000.00 and no more than a $100,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment; and 

Whereas, there must be a line drawn in the sand, and Idaho should be leading the country to protect our children from predators, utilizing the most severe punishment for anyone who is found guilty of first degree human trafficking of a minor. 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the KCRCC requests that the Idaho Legislature change Idaho statutes to make it a life sentence without possibility of parole for anyone who is convicted of sex trafficking a minor; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be sent to all Idaho House and Senate Members and to all 44 Idaho County Republican Central Committees by the KCRCC secretary; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this resolution be sent to the Idaho GOP secretary to be considered at the 2025 Idaho GOP Republican winter meeting. 

Passed October 22, 2024 by Unanimous Vote