STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives today advanced a bill co-authored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) calling on truckers to help drive out human trafficking in Indiana.
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. Pressel, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, co-authored a bill that would ensure new truck drivers are trained on how to recognize, report and prevent human trafficking, and the effort is gaining speed at the Statehouse.
"Our state is continuing its fight against this heinous crime," Pressel said. "This is an opportunity for professional drivers of all types to also help our efforts and take a stand against human trafficking."
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.
Pressel said drivers can encounter the criminal activity at rest areas and truck stops due to their remote locations and access to major roads. 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 one in Michigan City and two in Rolling Prairie.
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.
-30-
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
