ST. PAUL, MN – Representative Aaron Repinski (R- Winona) has introduced House File 129, his first bill to make it to the House Floor, to ensure greater accountability and transparency in Minnesota’s efforts to combat child sex trafficking. The bill requires the director of child sex trafficking prevention to submit a comprehensive program evaluation to the Legislature every two years, providing lawmakers with critical updates on prevention efforts, victim services, and law enforcement actions.
“Few crimes are more horrifying than child sex trafficking, and stopping it must be a top priority,” said Rep. Repinski. “This bill ensures that we are not just funding prevention efforts but actively measuring their effectiveness. Lawmakers need detailed, regular reports to make informed policy decisions, strengthen protections for victims, and hold traffickers accountable.”
Under current law, evaluations are only required to be sent to the Commissioner of Health. HF 13 extends that report to members of the Health and Public Safety Committees in the Legislature, helping members ensure that programs are effective and provide them with key information about where improvements could be made.
“The safety of our children is not negotiable,” Repinski added. “This bill equips us with the data necessary to craft stronger policies, improve victim support services, and put more traffickers behind bars. We owe it to our children to get this right.”
The bill passed unanimously, with a final vote of 132-0.
###