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Committee backs expanded human-trafficking training and statewide commission duties, adds K–12 curriculum elements
Summary
The committee approved amendments to House Bill 1308 to require the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission, to develop prevention and awareness training (including age‑appropriate curriculum for grades 6 and 10), and recommended the bill for passage as amended.
The Senate Workforce Development Committee amended and recommended House Bill 1308 to expand the state’s Human Trafficking Commission duties, create a continuing-education option for regulated licensees, and direct development of age‑appropriate prevention curriculum targeting sixth- and tenth‑grade students.
Senator Boushey explained the amendment bundle and said advocates and the Human Trafficking Commission and Task Force have worked on coordinated materials. The committee heard that there are two primary entities addressing trafficking in the state: the attorney general’s Human Trafficking Commission (a state entity) and a federally funded Human Trafficking Task Force that works with law enforcement. The amendment seeks to ensure the state has an enduring commission focused on education, awareness and victim response even if federal funding shifts.
The committee discussed curriculum development and the choice of sixth and tenth grades as strategic opportunities: advocate Anna Frizzell testified the grade choices aim to reach students entering middle school and before potential dropout points in high school. Committee members also discussed offering commission-developed training to regulated professionals (including health-care workers, teachers, social service providers and others) and allowing those trainings to qualify for continuing education credit where appropriate.
After debate and clarification that the amendment would support curriculum development, prevention training and collaboration with schools and community organizations, the committee passed the amendment on a roll call and moved a due-pass recommendation as amended. The clerk recorded unanimous committee votes in favor of the amendment and the due-pass recommendation.
Committee members said the amendment aims to coordinate state and federal activities, create sustainable resources for training, and provide age-appropriate materials for schools and stakeholders; the bill now moves forward with a committee recommendation to pass as amended.
