Crutchfield's Anti-Human Trafficking Bill Passes NC House Unanimously

Human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world, with approximately 25 million people trafficked each year.

“Human trafficking is not an abstract problem that only affects those in the most remote corners of the world, but it is a problem that happens right here in North Carolina,” Crutchfield said. “I was proud to introduce this legislation and grateful to the hotel and tourism industries and agencies who are committed to tackling this criminal activity and joining the fight to end this violation of human rights. man “

Crutchfield's bill HB971: Hotel Operations and Personnel Training (HOPE) Act would require hotel staff and third-party vacation rental hosts to take a course to be able to identify trafficking victims human beings and to report incidents. Additionally, the HOPE Act would make the solicitation of any person for prostitution a Class I misdemeanor. The bill passed the House on Wednesday, June 12 with unanimous support.

“Between 18,000 and 20,000 victims are trafficked to the United States each year, identifying victims is a very important element in trying to challenge these victims. This legislation was originally initiated by the Florida State Legislature and we have used this foundation to strengthen the fight against trafficking in North Carolina.

“The HOPE Act alone will not end human trafficking, but it is an important step in continuing the fight against bad actors who engage in this inhumane enterprise. »

The bill is supported in the Senate by NC Sen. Ted Alexander.