In a recent Senate Committee on Health and Human Services meeting, Nevada lawmakers discussed the pressing issue of human trafficking, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 127 (SB 127), which aims to enhance training for first responders in recognizing and responding to trafficking situations. The bill comes in response to alarming statistics that position Nevada as the state with the highest rate of human trafficking incidents per capita in the United States.

Senator Buck, a key proponent of the bill, shared her personal journey into advocacy against child trafficking, highlighting recent rescues of children in Las Vegas and Reno. She emphasized the need for increased awareness and training among first responders, noting that 90% of trafficking victims in Nevada are women, with a significant percentage being minors. SB 127 mandates that emergency medical personnel, firefighters, and dispatchers receive training on human trafficking awareness, ensuring they are equipped to identify victims and respond appropriately.

Tina Decola, a retired 911 dispatcher, recounted her experiences on the job, including a harrowing call from a trafficking victim. She underscored the lack of training at the time, which left first responders unprepared to handle such situations. Decola has since developed training programs that have proven effective in identifying and assisting victims, advocating for the bill to make this training mandatory for all first responders.

Survivors of trafficking also spoke at the meeting, sharing their personal stories and the critical role that trained first responders could play in their rescue. Annika Huff, a survivor, described a moment when a fireman’s brief glance at her provided a glimmer of hope during her ordeal. She stressed the importance of first responders being trained to recognize signs of trafficking and to approach victims with care and understanding.

The committee received overwhelming support for SB 127 from various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates for children. Many emphasized that the training would not only help save lives but also create a safer environment for vulnerable populations in Nevada.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed their commitment to advancing the bill, recognizing the urgent need for action against human trafficking. The anticipated next steps include further discussions and a potential vote on the bill, which aims to establish a more robust framework for protecting victims and preventing trafficking in the state.