Utah is the latest state to look at ways to help stop the trafficking of humans by enlisting the help of the trucking industry.
Human Trafficking Course
Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, who has worked with Operation Underground Railroad in past is sponsoring SB213 which would require commercial drivers to take a course on human trafficking in order to renew their CDL license.
Retiring Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, recently helped pass a U.S. Senate bill to create a national human trafficking advisory council.
This weekend police in Wyoming arrested a Utah man on human trafficking and exploitation of a child charges, adding fuel for the legislation.
Tracking the Bill
As of Monday SB0213 had progressed 25 percent of the way through the process to be passed into law. The bill received favorable passing with four in favor and three abstaining. The bill has been numbered but not yet distributed.
The bill states that in order to renew or obtain a CDL in Utah a driver must take a course in human trafficking from one or more persons authorized to do so. The course must include a descriptions of what human trafficking is, trafficking statistics, signs to recognize, and what one should do when they suspect human trafficking.
Ohio was the first state to require this in July of 2016. Ohio requires a one-hour course and a wallet card. Since then states including Illinois, Arkansas, and Texas have passed similar laws. Colorado is looking to pass one this year. Additionally Rhode Island and Pennsylvania are also considering laws of the same nature.
Arkansas adopts human trafficking prevention course requirement for CDL holders https://t.co/jDRD7zAwqd pic.twitter.com/GZrnDdKzRR
— Hubley & Associates (@HAAssociates) May 1, 2017