Source: The Columbia Missourian
By Rosemond Crown and Galen Bacharier
February 25, 2019
JEFFERSON CITY— Missouri lawmakers examined a pair of bills Monday to combat prostitution and human trafficking in the state.
In 2017, 140 cases of human trafficking were reported in Missouri — one of the highest totals in the country, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Lawmakers say victims are usually trafficked through truck stops, hotels and other types of businesses. A bill proposed in the state House of Representatives would require training for employees in such businesses to help victims.
Rep. Tom Hannegan, R-St. Charles, proposed the bill Monday to the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee.
Under the bill, employees who have recurring interactions with the public would be required to undergo 20 minutes of human trafficking awareness training.
