Modern Arizona

Arizona's ballot measure 313: Should sex traffickers get life in prison?

• Attorney Billie Tarascio • Season 7 • Episode 8

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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Kayleigh Kozak, the driving force behind Kayleigh's Law, to discuss the pressing issue of sentencing for sex trafficking of minors in Arizona. Kayleigh shares her personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and her fight to enact stronger protections for victims. Our conversation focuses on her namesake legislation, Kayleigh's Law, which grants lifetime protection for victims of specific sex crimes. But that's not all—Kayleigh is also advocating for a groundbreaking ballot measure, Proposition 313, which could impose a life sentence on adults convicted of sexually trafficking minors.

This ballot measure aims to bring significant change to Arizona’s legal framework, ensuring that those who buy or sell minors for sex will face life in prison. We unpack why this measure is crucial, how sex trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry that’s shockingly prevalent in Arizona, and why some organizations have opposed the initiative. Kayleigh breaks down the misconceptions surrounding sex trafficking and explains why this law will make Arizona a safer place for children.

Timeline Summary:

[2:00] - Kayleigh's experience with childhood sexual abuse and her journey to creating Kayleigh's Law.
 [5:30] - The importance of natural life injunctions and lifetime protection for victims.
 [8:15] - Introducing Proposition 313: life sentences for adults convicted of child sex trafficking.
 [9:50] - Addressing the opposition to Prop 313 and clarifying misconceptions about minors being prosecuted under the measure.
 [12:30] - The scope of sex trafficking in Arizona and why life sentences are necessary to protect children.
 [16:15] - Discussing the leniency in the justice system and why harsher penalties are essential.

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