No one knows just how much of a problem sex trafficking is in Nebraska.

The state doesn't categorize and organize the data in such a way to make it obvious how prevalent the problem is here.

Still, human trafficking is thought to be a serious one, especially in the state's larger population areas, said the Legislature's Judiciary Chairman Brad Ashford.

"We need to shine a light on this problem in our state. We need to shine, in fact, a glaring light," he said.

It's slavery of young people, he said. It takes them away from their homes and puts them in a terrible environment.

"We can make a difference in the lives of these children, juveniles and others who get involved in human trafficking," Ashford said.

The Legislature on Wednesday advanced a bill (LB1145) introduced by Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill that would ramp up penalties for pandering, create a task force to investigate and study human trafficking in Nebraska and place posters at rest stops and strip clubs to guide victims to call for assistance.