By Daniel Stefanski |

A measure to strengthen protections for Arizona children is one step closer to state voters.

On Monday, the Arizona State Senate passed SCR 1021, which “statutorily requires an adult who is convicted of a class 2 felony for any child sex trafficking offense to be sentenced to natural life imprisonment” – according to the purpose from the chamber. If approved by both the Arizona House and Senate, the proposal would be decided by state voters in the November General Election.

The ballot referral received bipartisan support with a 20-8 vote (with two members not voting).

Senator Shawnna Bolick, the sponsor of the referral, issued the following statement after her chamber’s positive action: “I am a mother, wife, and protector of our children. Today, my fellow Republican senators and I took a stand to stop child sex trafficking across Arizona. Human trafficking is not specific to any age, race, or gender, and it occurs throughout rural, suburban, and urban areas across our Grand Canyon State. With a wide-open southern border and derelict government agencies, cases of human trafficking are on the rise.”

The Senate Republican Caucus’ press release shared information from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office that “the average age of entry into sex trafficking in Arizona is 14 years old, but there have been numerous cases of children being victimized at a much younger age.”

Back in February, SCR 1021 was given a green light by the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 5-2 vote. Democrat Senator Mitzi Epstein joined all Republicans in sending the referral to the full chamber.

On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from Common Sense Action for America and Center for Arizona Policy indicated their support for the legislation. Representatives from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, Middle Ground Prison Reform, and Arizona National Organization for Women signed in to oppose the proposal.

Bolick added, “Republican state lawmakers stand united to send a message to those disgusting animals responsible for stealing our children’s innocence – Arizona’s children are our most valuable resource. We would like everyone to know, our children are not for sale. One Arizona child who is victimized is one too many.”

SCR 1021 will now be considered by the Arizona House of Representatives.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.