Kendall Talks Sex Trafficking With Legislative Committee

ST. PAUL -- Sex trafficking has caught the attention of the Minnesota Legislature.

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall and Waite Park Police Chief Dave Bentrud testified before the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee Tuesday.

Kendall says lawmakers wanted to hear from those on the front lines as they consider an appointed statewide commission to look into state policies.

Kendall says Stearns County handles the prosecution of those buying sex, selling sex, and trafficking sex a little differently than the metro counties. She says it's a conversation that's needed to ensure best practices.

The task force bill passed the Health and Human Services Committee and is on to the Public Safety Committee. The Senate is expected to take up a similar bill at a later date.

As part of her presentation, Kendall released a video to state representatives which was created by her office to bring light to the problem of sex trafficking in central Minnesota. The complete video will be released to the public later this month. The video trailer is available here.