A group working to combat sex trafficking in Connecticut is focusing this year on legislation that would toughen penalties for the buyers.
A bill scheduled for a public hearing Monday before the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee would increase the penalty for patronizing a prostitute from a Class C to a Class B felony if the prostitute is not yet 18 or is considered a trafficking victim.
A class B felony is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. A Class C felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The Trafficking in Persons Council says it's working to "place much-needed emphasis on demand" for sex.
The group also hopes to add more protections for victims. One bill would bar hotels from offering hourly rates to customers.
Copyright The Associated Press