Illinois enacts new law to aid human trafficking survivors
ILLINOIS -- In 2024, over 440 human trafficking survivors and over 200 possible cases of child trafficking were reported to Illinois authorities, according to state police.
On Wednesday, Illinois State Police announced new updates to their approach when combatting human trafficking and assisting survivors.
The announcement comes after Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 2323, the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act.
How will the act support human trafficking victims?
The state will see new human trafficking task forces where they do not currently exist while supporting local law enforcement when encountering a human trafficking victim.
The act will also require support and training for state attorneys when prosecuting human traffickers and align penalties for child labor trafficking with child sex trafficking penalties.
Additionally, the act requires the court to take into account the age of human trafficking victims when sentencing those convicted of the crime. Affirmative defense for minors will also be allowed when they are accused of misdemeanor crimes committed as a result of human trafficking victimization.
Training for state inspectors, investigators, and regulators on signs of human trafficking will be created in industries known as "high risk" for trafficking, such as restaurants, hotels, agriculture, and construction, alongside educational material on the rights of youth workers.
