Human Trafficking Awareness Bill to be Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) Human Trafficking Awareness Day legislation has been approved by the General Assembly Wednesday. 

The legislation will codify Ohio’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th each year with the federal government’s recognition of the day.  

“I’m humbled that my colleges in both chambers have also decided to take a stand against human trafficking and vote for this bill,” said Richardson. “Ohio is a hub of human trafficking and this legislation is step toward solving the victimization of women and men around this state.” 

Ohio is one of the top five states in the nation for reported trafficking cases. Up to 90% of prostituted persons reported being under the control of a trafficker, while 87% reported receiving healthcare service while being detained by their trafficker. 60% of child sex trafficking victims have been in the foster care system. 

Richardson is joint sponsoring this bipartisan bill with State Representative Dontavius L. Jarrells. 

The legislation will now head to the governor’s office to be signed into law.