Bill improving ways to fight human trafficking passes House panel

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - Improving upon legislation that was enacted in 2020 to combat human trafficking in Kentucky is the goal of a measure that was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, who also serves as the House Republican Caucus Chair, is the sponsor of House Bill 3, just as she was for the original measure, four years ago.

She told the panel, "We are continuing to try and advance that legislation. To mirror what the federal government does, to make sure that we can penalize to the furthest extent those who are preying on all our individuals that shouldn't be."

Among the provisions of the bill, creating a working group to address all aspects of human trafficking, including commercial sex activity and forced labor, under the auspices of the Attorney General's office. Its membership would include representatives of law enforcement, prosecutors, federal agencies with offices in Kentucky that deal with the issue, and non-governmental organizations involved in fighting human trafficking.

Heather Wagers with the Attorney General's Office told the panel, "Sex trafficking and labor trafficking occur in many different settings within and communities, and victims have different experiences. So, it is extremely important to have a holistic approach to this, where everybody's input is valued and appreciated, so I am appreciative of the opportunity to work with the General Assembly on this."

HB 3 also expands the requirement for posting a sign with the National Human Trafficking Hotline in public places such as hotels, airports, train stations and rest areas. For the first time, if the bill is approved, a penalty would be imposed for those locations that do not post the signs of $50 per day.

The committee passed the bill unanimously, sending it to the full House for consideration.

Miles noted due to some of the bill's provisions, a financial impact statement will have to be prepared before it can come up for a floor vote.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline Number is 1-888-373-7888.