Human Trafficking Awareness Bill and Prevention Bill approved by Committee in Kentucky

Frankfort, KY: House Bill 3 in Kentucky aims to combat human trafficking by mandating specific locations to display signage with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline number.

The bill passed through the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday with unanimous support. If this is put into effect, it will impact hotels, airports, truck stops, bus stations, and highways. The printed signage is required to be in both English and Spanish.

According to Republican Rep. Suzanne Miles, the signage is designed to assist victims of human trafficking.

“If there are victims out there, they can easily remember that number and reach out for help,” Miles stated during the hearing on Wednesday.

Failure to display the signs in clearly visible areas could result in a fine of up to $50 per day of noncompliance.

HB 3 is set to establish a working group tasked with gathering, analyzing, and presenting human trafficking data on a statewide level. Chaired by Attorney General Russell Coleman, a working group will consist of members from governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as federal agencies.

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Heather Wagers, the executive director for the attorney general’s office, highlighted the various settings where sex trafficking and labor trafficking take place in the community, emphasizing the different experiences of the victims during the hearing. “It’s crucial to take a comprehensive approach, ensuring that everyone’s input is respected and valued.”

The human trafficking legislation is designed to reflect other federal laws and programs such as the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, as stated by Miles.

The Blue Campaign and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center offer resource signs that can be ordered online at no cost. Miles expressed her intention to collaborate with Kentucky’s Department of Transportation in developing a standardized sign for placement on major roadways.