A bill to create harsher penalties for people who purchase and sell sex has been passed in Nebraska.
Anti sex trafficking groups say it's a step closer in stopping the demand of buying sex.
Before Tuesday Women’s Fund of Omaha says penalties were not stiff enough to stop people from engaging in the crime.
Now Nebraska lawmakers unanimously approved new legislation to crack down even more on human trafficking in the state.
The measure increases prison sentences for those involved in sex trafficking.
It also provides protections for victims from potential prosecution.
A local anti-human trafficking group says the new legislation sends a message that human trafficking will not be tolerated here.
"If you are trafficking individuals, if you are purchasing a child, if you are purchasing an adult without their consent- you are a trafficker and you are going to be held accountable for those actions.
State lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill yesterday by a vote of 48 to 0.
Women’s Fund of Omaha says it has no doubt the governor will sign the bill into law.
