Kinnaird and more than a dozen co-sponsors filed Senate Bill 353 in March to create a commission to probe the crime and to help educate law enforcement personnel, social service providers and others about trafficking so that perpetrators can be prosecuted and victims assisted. Although the bill never made it out of committee, presumably because of budget restraints, she is hopeful it will get the attention it deserves next go-around.

“It is still eligible for the short session, so we may have a chance again next year,” Kinnaird said. Co-sponsor Sen. Stan Bingham (R-Guilford) said he feels more strongly than ever about the issue and will be ready to push for legislation.

The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, said the measure is overdue.

“We spoke out for this bill when it was filed and the need is only getting more urgent,” he said. “These trafficking victims, many of them children and many far away from their homelands, are truly among the most helpless in our state. As the Body of Christ, we should be in the forefront on this issue.”

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