A bill requiring human trafficking awareness signs be posted at certain businesses and other areas of the state is now headed to the Governor, after receiving final Senate approval.
Sen. Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater), the bill’s Senate sponsor, says he would have liked the measure to go further.
“The House didn’t feel like they wanted it to be posted in as many locations as we wanted them posted. So, they reduced the number of locations,” said Latvala, on the floor Wednesday. “However, something is better than nothing.”
Because the House adjourned three days early, he says he was forced to make concessions to pass the bill.
“We had listed labor contractors, one or two other locations, and they reduced that to just adult entertainment locations,” added Latvala. “They’ll also still be at various transportation locations, such as rest areas, bus stations, airports.”
Hospital emergency rooms and certain massage establishments will also have posted signs, which will contain information on human trafficking and encourage people to call the national hotline if they see troubling situations.
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