STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives today advanced a bill co-authored by State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) calling on truckers to help drive out human trafficking throughout the state.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, sex trafficking often occurs at truck stops and is commonly advertised online or through citizens band radio, typically by using codes or signals. Criswell, a member of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, is co-authoring a bill that would ensure new truck drivers are trained on how to recognize, report and prevent human trafficking.
"Partnering with the trucking industry can add many new sets of eyes on the road who are looking out for victims of human trafficking," Criswell said. "From semis to school buses, we have an opportunity to enlist professional drivers of all types in the fight against this evil crime."
Under the legislation, which now moves to the Senate for consideration, Hoosiers pursuing their commercial driver's license would be trained on how to identify and report human trafficking. According to the Indiana Department of Education, human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Where a person younger than 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion.
Criswell said drivers can encounter the criminal activity at rest areas and truck stops due to their remote locations and access to major roads. He said as the Crossroads of America, this issue is especially pertinent to Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, there are 17 rest area locations, with 28 separate rest area facilities on Indiana's interstate highways, including two in Greenfield and another in nearby Wayne County.
The Indiana Motor Truck Association, SAFE Coalition for Human Rights, and Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking voiced support for House Bill 1196. If enacted, Indiana would join 12 other states with similar laws, including Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
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