Friends,

Republicans have an opportunity and a responsibility in 2012 to bring conservative values back to the Nevada Legislature. Yesterday the Nevada Assembly Republicans met to select the person who will lead us through one of the most important elections in Nevada’s history. I’m honored to stand behind Assemblyman Pat Hickey, the new leader of our caucus.

Over the last several weeks our caucus has deliberated over some very important issues facing Nevada. We talked about our vision for the future and the legacy we want to leave behind, but most importantly we talked about ideas and new ways of doing business.

I look forward to transparency and open discussions. I’m excited to see our caucus support rising stars who are challenging entrenched Democrats who excel at spending other people’s money. I’m humbled to know the passion our members hold for serving their constituents.

Today, I’m asking you to join us in bringing conservative values and fiscal discipline back to the Nevada Legislature. Will you please make a donation to helping our cause? Checks can be mailed directly to the Assembly Caucus or stop by one of our upcoming fundraisers.

2012 is going to be a great year for Nevada Republicans, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.

Sincerely,

John Hambrick

On November 15, Polaris Project hosted the first ever National State Legislators Conference Call on Human Trafficking. More than 40 legislators from 26 states joined a conference call and webinar put together by Polaris Project to collaborate, share ideas, and advocate for anti-trafficking legislation. Each state has taken its own approach to combatting human trafficking and the purpose of the call was to give legislators an opportunity to learn more from each other on what has worked and the challenges others have confronted in successfully carrying anti-trafficking legislation…

Lastly, Assemblyman John Hambrick (NV) discussed another legislative success with his efforts in helping to pass a Vacating conviction bill in Nevada. This law granted victims of sex trafficking the ability to bring a motion to vacate their convictions for prostitution. This law was essential in helping victims of sex trafficking restart their lives with a clean slate. The practical effect is to enable survivors to apply for jobs, loans, and higher education without the fear of having to report a conviction for prostitution that was the result of the person having been a victim of sex trafficking.

Read more about the call and webinar here

UNR Students Raise Awareness for Human Trafficking

The Women’s Federation for World Peace, Reno in association with ASUN Unity and the Freeze Project will host a collaboration of speakers talking about the reality and effects of human trafficking Wednesday, September 28 from 6-9pm in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at the University of Nevada, Reno.

“What most people don’t realize is that human trafficking is happening all around us,” said Sarah Canak, president of the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Reno. “Our hope is that this event will inform our student body that this is not a third world issue, and there are opportunities for everyone to get involved and do their part to stop human trafficking.”

What: The panel will include activists and professionals talking about the reality and effects of human trafficking, followed by a Q & A session Wednesday, September 28 from 6:30-9pm in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Who: Panelists include:
Beni Hernandez, Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking, Los Angles, California
Kari Ramos, Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence
Tiffany Short, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Nevada Assemblyman John Hambrick, Las Vegas, Nevada

Where: The Wells Fargo Auditorium is located on the first floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center at the University of Nevada, Reno.

When: The event will be held Wednesday, September 28th from 6:30pm until 9:00pm.

Women’s Federation for World Peace, Reno is an inspiring and nurturing environment for women to work towards inner peace, family cohesion, community investment, and ultimately world peace through discovering their passions.

The Freeze Project is a fun, fresh way to bring awareness to the harrowing issue of human trafficking. It was first initiated by Charles Lee, and inspired by the Improve Anywhere group in New York. Through “freezing” their bodies for a designated time, participants and spectators can bring their attention and pause for a moment to consider the countless people trafficked around the world every year.

The Unity Commission strives to break social stereotypes and is dedicated to promoting understanding, communication, and respect among all community members. We hope to unify various groups by showing that diversity is a necessary component of life to become familiar with and understand.

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The issue of slavery was settled shortly after Nevada became a state in 1864. Most Americans believe slavery is a thing of the past that we learn about in history books, but it is still a reality for many, just with a new name — trafficking.

Trafficking is all around us, even in Nevada.

Last year the FBI conducted a three-day sweep, cracking down on child trafficking and prostitution nationwide. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the FBI identified more than 60 children and 99 pimps, including one child located in Las Vegas. Almost 100 children were identified as being forced into sexual servitude in Las Vegas in 2010.

Even in Reno, trafficking and forced prostitution is a serious concern. Shortly after the FBI sting in Las Vegas, KOLO Channel 8 reported a similar sting by the Reno Police Department, uncovering two girls from Sacramento, ages 14 and 15. Just this summer KRNV Channel 4 reported a former IRS agent and UNR teacher was illegally transporting a teen girl to Reno so that she could become a prostitute.

Read more of Assemblyman Hambrick’s article in the Nevada Sagebrush

I was honored to support Assembly Bills (AB) 6, 106 and 112, which will protect our children and empower our judicial system, but there were many more bills I opposed because they would have killed jobs and put additional burdens on the construction industry, hospital administration and doctors attempting to run a successful practice.

I stood with the taxpayers in 2011 by opposing tax increases on hard working Nevadans, and I have always, and continue to be, a supporter of low taxes, limited government & a pro-business environment.

The election is just around the corner, and while the district lines may not be clear at this point, I will be running again and am asking for your support today. Your donation of $5,000, $2,500, $1,000 or even $500 will help me kick off my campaign. I am asking for your help to return me to the legislature, where I will continue to fight for you.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please give me a call at 702-499-6169 or email me at John@Hambrick4Assembly.com, and we can set a time and date to meet to discuss your concerns.

Sincerely,

Assemblyman John Hambrick

Sex Trafficking Bill Passes Senate, To Be Signed by Governor

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Legislature unanimously approved Assembly Bill 6 last Tuesday that would offer legal protections to victims of sex trafficking or involuntary servitude who have been convicted of prostitution. The bill was proposed by Assemblyman John Hambrick and is scheduled to be signed into law by Governor Brian Sandoval Thursday, May 19th.

“I am humbled by the support shown for the victims of sex trafficking,” said Assemblyman John Hambrick. “It is a serious problem for our community and our country, and I’m proud that we have taken a step to help the victims who were not only forced into the sex trade but had to bear the burden of being convicted of prostitution.”

According to Nevada law, it is a crime for anyone to engage in prostitution outside of a licensed Nevada brothel; however, Assembly Bill 6 will allow the courts the ability to vacate a judgment if the person was a victim of sex trafficking or involuntary servitude.

“The victims of sex trafficking are often recruited as children, and this legislation can give them a fresh start without the conviction for prostitution, something completely beyond their control,” Hambrick said.

The bill signing ceremony will be held Thursday, May 19th at noon in the Governor’s office. Assemblyman Hambrick will be available for questions following the ceremony at 12:30pm on the Capitol steps. 

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Assemblyman John Hambrick commends FBI for crackdown
on Las Vegas child trafficking and prostitution

Assemblyman John Hambrick commends the work of the FBI for cracking down on child trafficking and prostitution in Las Vegas and calls on our legal system to impose the harshest penalties for these crimes.

As part of a three-day sweep, the FBI cracked down on child trafficking and prostitution nationwide, identifying more than 60 children and 99 pimps. One child was located in Las Vegas, bringing the count to 99 children identified in the last year. Assemblyman Hambrick has been an outspoken advocate for protecting our children and increasing the penalties for these crimes.

“This is a huge milestone, but it just goes to show how much a problem child trafficking and prostitution is in our state and country,” said Assemblyman Hambrick. “We need to continue to strengthen our laws and impose the harshest penalties for these crimes to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from the horrendous crimes of child trafficking and prostitution.”

During the 2009 Nevada Legislature, Assemblyman Hambrick authored legislation that now allows the court to impose substantial fines of up to $500,000 on any person convicted of pandering or of prostitution of a child. The law designates that 100% of the money will go to help the victims of such crimes. Because of Assemblyman Hambrick’s hard work, the very criminals who prey on our youth will now be funding the programs to help get them off the street.

“I don’t want one more child to fall through the cracks,” Hambrick said. “It’s time we build upon this success to make real changes to protect our children.”

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On rare occasions, I would call Kenny and Dema for advice or ask a favor. Dema would call out to Kenny or Kenny would call out to Dema and re-state my request. And from across the room, I could hear the answer. I never heard no.

Nevada is poorer today without Kenny Guinn. I firmly believe that his soul is before Almighty God. God bless Kenny, God bless Dema and their family.

CARSON CITY — Every Wednesday morning teenage prostitutes appear in District Judge William Voy’s court where they receive minor sentences he readily admits won’t keep them from going back to their pimps and the mean streets.

A partial solution may be coming in a bill being drafted by newly elected Assemblyman John Hambrick, R-Las Vegas. Under Hambrick’s proposal, judges could freeze assets of pimps and panderers of children when they are arrested.

“I want to make it economically unfeasible for them to participate in the sex trade in this state,” said Hambrick, a former Secret Service agent and federal law enforcement officer. Similar laws have been used to confiscate assets of drug dealers, and Hambrick’s proposal has the backing of Voy and District Attorney David Roger.

“Most of these kids are either runaways or throwaways,” Hambrick said. “They have Stockholm syndrome and believe the pimp is their friend.” Kathleen Boutin, founder and director of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, hails Hambrick’s proposal, but also predicts it won’t entirely prevent sexual exploitation of minors. “The kids themselves need to be held responsible,” she said. “It is so easy to label them as victims, but at some point they chose to do it. The people who exploit them are paying them very well.”