State Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, says the proposed law will protect the public from human trafficking.

CLEARWATER – Florida Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, and state Rep. David Kerner, D-Palm Springs, introduced legislation Thursday (Feb. 26) that would require the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline  and text numbers to be posted in all Florida transportation hubs and establishments where employees and the public should be aware of how to recognize and report labor and sex trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a sick, but profitable criminal enterprise that affects up to 300,000 children and many young adults in the U.S. each year.  Florida is among the top three states for human trafficking.  [Our proposed law] will get more of these cases reported and hopefully help put an end to this widespread practice of modern-day slavery,” Latvala said.

The NHTRC is a national hotline number funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Since 2007, the NHTRC has provided  service referrals, tips to law enforcement and information to the public, as well as training and technical assistance.  The toll-free hotline is available to answer calls anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages.  The phone number is 1-888-337-3888. For information call Latvala’s Tallahassee office at (850) 487-5020 or go to flsenate.gov.

Jack Latvala | Florida Legislature | Florida Senate | Human Trafficking

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