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State Senate passes bills aimed at curbing child sex abuse
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ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia Senate has passed and sent to the House two proposals aimed at cracking down on pimps and others engaged in what lawmakers say is an increasing problem of sexual exploitation of children in Georgia.

Both measures, sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford, passed Thursday.

A proposed amendment to the state Constitution would ask voters to set out guidelines for imposing additional punishments and fees on people convicted of sexual offenses against children. It also would provide funds for care and treatment of sexually exploited children. An accompanying bill outlines some specifics.

Because one of the measures is a proposed constitutional amendment it requires a higher bar to pass the General Assembly — a two-thirds majority in both chambers.