Illinois Senate Committee Passes Human Trafficking Bill in Response to Underreported Cases
A bill tackling human trafficking in Illinois was passed by a Senate committee this week, aiming to improve coordination across state agencies and provide specialized training on the issue. The bill, Senate Bill 2323, follows recommendations from the state Joint Human Trafficking Working Group, focusing on victim screening, multi-agency coordination, and victim-centered training. Advocate Brenda Myers-Powell, a human trafficking survivor, spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for early identification and consistent care for victims.
With Illinois being a transportation hub, Sen. Julie Morrison highlighted the state’s high number of human trafficking cases. Despite only 600 victims reported to state agencies between 2021 and 2023, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly believes the actual number is significantly higher. The bill requires agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, to establish specialized units to assist victims and enhance case management services.
Kelly stressed the importance of recognizing victims and providing comprehensive care, noting the need for victim-centered, trauma-informed responses. Training on the complexities of human trafficking and survivor input, like Myers-Powell’s, will aid in addressing the issue effectively. The bill’s focus on interagency collaboration and improved victim care aligns with efforts to break the cycle of trafficking in the state.
The bill will now advance to a full Senate vote as part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Illinois. The initiative reflects a broader push for improved responses to human trafficking and better support for survivors.
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