Anti-Pimping Bill Gets Final House Approval – Georgia
April 5, 2001 ·
Legislation making it a felony to pimp children for sex move closer to final passage following unanimous approval in the House. The main bill, SB 33, sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D-Atlanta), makes pimping any child 18 and younger a felony; sets prison sentences between five and 20 years and impose fines of $2,500 to $10,000 upon conviction. Under current Georgia law, pimping is a misdemeanour. The two bills were the result of what Juvenile Court officials and children’s advocates say is a growing problem of youngsters, some as young as 10, being lured into prostitution. The companion measure, SB 34 would allow authorities to seize any vehicles, home and other property used by pimps to further their child prostitution business. Authorities could use the civil courts to take an accused pimp’s property and sell it even if they are acquitted later of criminal charges.
