Bartlett’s anti-human trafficking bill heads to Senate floor

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed unanimously through the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law today. The amended version of the bill requires state-owned rest areas to display human trafficking awareness posters, including in the establishment's restrooms. The bill also requires employees of food and lodging establishments to receive human trafficking awareness training approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Bartlett issued the following statement following the vote:

"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes one could commit, and unfortunately is a multi-billion dollar industry around the world. This bill is an effort to not only help workers understand the signs that someone is being trafficked and how to help them, but also lets victims of human trafficking know they aren't alone.

"Many times, a public restroom is the only opportunity someone being trafficked has to be alone. With these posters, victims have the chance to memorize the number and call for help as soon as they're able to.

"While I believe the bill was stronger before being amended in a Senate committee to remove the "shall" provision requiring private businesses to display the posters, I believe this is still a good step in the right direction.

"We all play a part in keeping one another safe. This legislation aims to help some of the most vulnerable people who live in and cross through our state, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the governor's desk."