Committee unanimously reports bill to expand child‑protective‑services definition to include trafficking and involuntary servitude

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously reported House Bill 940, which expands the child‑protective‑services definition of abuse or exploitation to include trafficking in minors and involuntary servitude.

Representative Delosier, who reintroduced the bill, said the change responds to concern raised by county children and youth directors and would help identify and respond to victims of human trafficking, a category he described as under‑reported and sensitive. “To include these additional terms under the definition of abuse or exploitation is to encourage more complete reporting of suspected child abuse and to provide additional protection for our vulnerable youth,” he said.

Counsel told the committee the bill takes effect in 60 days and that there were no amendments. Members expressed broad support. The chair asked for negative votes and the secretary recorded a unanimous committee return. Several members noted the difficulty of tracking data on trafficking and involuntary servitude because of under‑reporting and data sensitivity, and sponsors said the bill would align statutory definitions with county‑level reporting and protective efforts.

The measure was reported without amendment and will be sent forward with committee support.