COLUMBIA S.C. (WSPA) – South Carolina lawmakers are discussing a bill that could help victims of human trafficking and prostitution.

Lawmakers said the main goal is to protect individuals and punish people who commit this crime.

“We need protection, and those who exploit and buy others must be held accountable,” said Heather Pagan, a human trafficking survivor.

For 18 years, Pagan was sold for sex and, in her words, used as a reusable, disposable commodity.

“It’s about surviving, and when all the cards are stacked against you, it becomes a choice between evil or evil. I’m one of the few who made it out.”

Currently under state law, prostitution and coercion are misdemeanors, but Senator Josh Kimbrell’s (R – District 11) bill would upgrade them to felony charges. He said this bill also aims to protect human trafficking victims who were coerced into performing criminal acts.

“I think it may be a unanimous vote. I can’t imagine anybody who doesn’t agree. Ultimately, we should protect these victims and go after people who victimize them.”

Kimbrell added that leaders need to pass this bill immediately because the bill is already a law in North Carolina, and he believes predators would change their focus to targeting South Carolinians.

“We do not need that culture in South Carolina. If we don’t do something pretty quick, all these folks are forced out of North Carolina, will come here, and we need to make sure we stop that.”

Democratic Senator Overture Walker (D – District 22) agrees, saying it’s important to protect people from prostitution and human trafficking. Walker also suggested an amendment to the bill that would give immunity to a person forced into the sex trade.

“Give them the opportunity pretrial to have that hearing, to offer up our evidence, where a judge can decide based on a preponderance of evidence, if this individual was in fact a victim of sex trafficking, or was involved in prostitution under duress, and avoid prosecution,” Walker said.

Kimbrell said he looks forward to putting the bi-partisan amendment into the bill alongside Walker.