STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2018) — A bill sponsored by State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) to change how adult human trafficking is reported passed the Senate today by a vote of 49 to 0.
House Enrolled Act 1191 would no longer require licensed health practitioners to report that an adult patient is a suspected human trafficking victim to a local law enforcement agency. Instead, the bill would require them to provide suspected adult human trafficking victims with available resources and services.
“Human trafficking victims are often forced to commit crimes against their will,” Crider said. “Often, victims do not seek medical help because they think the police will get involved. If this requirement is removed, I am hopeful more victims will get the medical help they need, and at the same time, be offered services that could help them get out of their dangerous situation.”
Under the bill, a licensed health practitioner could be placed under disciplinary action if they fail to provide a suspected victim with information.
HEA 1191 will now be considered by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Michael Crider is available by clicking here.
