SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, to combat human trafficking in Illinois recently passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
“Human trafficking and the exploitation of children are two of the most heinous crimes that a person can commit, and offenders should be punished under the full scope of the law,” said Slaughter. “For too long, many of our hotels and motels have turned a blind eye to the human trafficking that takes place within their walls. This legislation will help ensure that they, too, will be held responsible for the crimes that they enable and will help us crack down on abuse taking place in our state.”
Slaughter’s Senate Bill 1890 creates the Lodging Establishment Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act to oblige hotels and motels to train their employees on methods to prevent human trafficking. Under this legislation, employees will be required to learn how to recognize the signs of abuse and trafficking and how to properly alert authorities. In addition, law enforcement agencies across the state will be required to include courses on human trafficking as part of their training. The statutes of limitation for crimes related to human trafficking will also be increased to 25 years to ensure that victims are able to come forward and seek justice in their own time. In addition, the measure allows businesses that benefit from human trafficking to face fines of up to $100,000.
“As a father, combatting human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children are two extremely important issues for me,” said Slaughter. “In Springfield and at home, I will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. I encourage Governor Pritzker to continue standing up for victims by signing this legislation into law.”
