“It is an honor to have everyone here today to highlight a decade of collaboration and bi-partisan work on behalf of Georgia’s children,” said Sen. Unterman. “Funding this program will continue a decade long journey and will take care of Georgia’s children who are tragically abused. This fund is critical because it will address what we do with these victims after they are off the streets. Helping victims of sex trafficking and preventing future cases is what today was all about.”
The Safe Harbor Amendment will be on the General Election ballot on November 8, 2016. It will be the second amendment listed on the ballot. If passed, the Safe Harbor for Exploited Children Fund will be created. This fund will serve as a dedicated source of new funding that will provide restorative services and safe housing to child victims of sex trafficking. Extra fines for criminal offenses related to sex trafficking and a yearly fee for adult entertainment establishments that serve alcohol will contribute to the fund. The funding source is constitutionally dedicated and funds cannot be used by the state for any other purpose.
Sen. Renee Unterman serves as Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. She represents the 45th Senate District, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She can be reached at 404.463.1368 or by e-mail at renee.unterman@senate.ga.gov.