Nebraska lawmakers are looking at ways to stop pimps who coerce women and children into prostitution, as well as the johns who solicit them.

Groups that work with human-trafficking victims told the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee Wednesday that the exploitation of women and children, including immigrants, has remained largely unnoticed in Nebraska.

Sens. Amanda McGill of Lincoln and Mark Christensen of Imperial have introduced several bills. The measures would regulate escort agencies, increase penalties for pimping, and publish the names of convicted johns.

McGill says prostitutes are usually targeted for prosecution, when in fact they’re often victims who are lured into the trade with drugs, violence or promises of love.