JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month came to a close, the General Assembly took the final step to send a bill to Governor Greitens that would bring even more awareness across the state for victims to obtain help. House Bill 1246, which passed the House 139–5, would require the Department of Public Safety to develop human trafficking hotline posters to provide victims information on how to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline.
“This bill is the result of the tireless work of our dear friend, Rep. Cloria Brown,” said House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff. “Her dedication to raising awareness of this epidemic in Missouri and fighting for the vulnerable people being bought and sold for sexual exploitation is an inspiration to all in the House.”
Because of Missouri’s location in the crossroads of the country, human trafficking is a growing problem in the state. A $9.5 billion a year business nationally, Missouri ranks 14th for the most reported human trafficking cases according to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
Bill sponsor, Rep. Patricia Pike, R-Adrian, said, “I was honored to build on past legislation of many other legislators, such as Rep. Cloria Brown, who have worked to address human trafficking issues in Missouri. This informational poster is designed to be an import tool to make Missourians better aware of the resources available to assist victims of trafficking and provide law enforcement officials better means to identify victims and stop trafficking throughout Missouri.”
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline has had much success in rescuing victims of the modern day form of slavery. Promoting the phone number and how to text the hotline in common areas where human trafficking occurs – such as hotels or motels that have been cited for prostitution or train and bus stations, as well as, truck stops – is one step toward helping the victims of sex trafficking get help.
Richardson added, “This is a serious problem that we are committed to fighting to eradicate throughout Missouri. I am proud of my House and Senate colleagues on both side of the aisle for understanding the severity of this rampant crisis and making the passage of HB 1246 a priority this session.”
