A bill has been signed to help prevent human trafficking by placing information about resources in all Illinois highway rest area restrooms.
This change to the law is important because in many cases those who are being trafficked do not have the opportunity to get away from traffickers except in restrooms. Placing this information in such a location can help victims learn to how get help when they are not potentially being watched by traffickers.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline recently received more than 50,000 contacts in a single year, which is a clear sign of the need for making this information available. The resources can be utilized by those who are being trafficked, but also by bystanders who see the signs and want to help.
The bill, House Bill 4654, passed both houses unanimously. The signs must be in place by January 1.