A bill aimed at halting the sexual abuse of minors sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach, R-31st District, was signed into law Thursday, March 29.

This session, Roach helped lead a bipartisan effort to crack down on teen exploitation and human trafficking. A total of 12 bills were approved by the Legislature and signed into law Thursday.

Roach’s measure, Senate Bill 6257, closes loopholes by enhancing definitions in existing law pertaining to both private and public photographs and videotapes portraying sexually explicit acts involving minors.

“We have to be very specific in our wording or adults who promote these activities will find a way to get around the law,” Roach said. “My bill will give law enforcement and prosecutors new tools to take the profit out of these horrible crimes against children.”

A local Auburn family was a victim of sex trafficking when their teenage daughter made her way to Seattle and joined a sex trafficking ring. The mother, whose name has been withheld, testified in Olympia and was a key factor in moving the bill along.

“Many families have been affected by the serious crime of sex trafficking,” said Roach. “Having citizens step forward to share their tragedies with legislators brought attention to this issue, generated support from the citizens and law enforcement, and toughened the law.”