SPRINGFIELD – Working alongside the hospitality and retail industries, State Senator Mike Halpin outlined his measure at a press conference Thursday to create a more targeted approach to combatting human trafficking.

“We must empower our local governments and law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to make sure every instance of human trafficking is accounted for and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Halpin. “By allowing localities to monitor hotels, restaurants and truck stop training, we can create a more targeted approach to combatting these terrible crimes.”

While current law requires human trafficking recognition training at hotels, restaurants and truck stops, Halpin’s measure would give municipalities the legal authority to act if a business is not complying the training laws. In addition, the new law would allow local governments to issue fines of up to $1,500 per offense.

“The only acceptable amount of human trafficking is absolutely zero. As legislators, we have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our community from human trafficking,” said Representative Gregg Johnson (D-East Moline). “This legislation expands protections to prevent people from becoming victims of sexual and economic exploitation.”

In 2023 the Human Trafficking Hotline received over 760 signals from Illinois. These signals can range from labor trafficking to sex trafficking though some are unknown or unspecified. Though most of the cases were adult females the issue also impacts minors and males though at a lower rate. While Illinois is combatting the human trafficking epidemic, it remains one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. In addition, the sinister dynamics of human trafficking mean that most victims do not reach out for help according to the Illinois State Police. This means that trafficking hotspots like hotels, restaurants and truck stop employees need the proper training to identify this crime.

“The hospitality industry plays a key role in identifying and working to end human trafficking. SB 1422 will strengthen enforcement of existing human trafficking prevention training requirements for hotel employees to ensure all hospitality workers are properly trained to recognize and report this heinous crime,” said Keenan Irish, Vice President of Government Relations & Member Engagement for the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “We thank Senator Halpin for his leadership on this measure and remain committed to working together to enact policies to protect our guests and our communities.”

Senate Bill 1422 – which passed the Senate with bipartisan support – awaits consideration in the House.

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