House Education committee hears bill to require annual human trafficking prevention instruction for grades 4–12

Senator Keith Boehm told the House Education Committee that Senate Bill 2330 would require annual, evidence-based instruction on recognizing and reporting human trafficking for students in grades 4 through 12 and includes an initial appropriation of $48,000 to launch the program.

"This bill is about prevention, protection, and empowerment," Boehm said in opening remarks, urging members to give the bill a due pass. He described traffickers' grooming tactics and said early education can help students recognize warning signs and report exploitation.

Multiple nonprofits and survivor advocates testified in support. Jacob Thompson of North Dakota Family Alliance said the bill would raise awareness earlier than college-level instruction he encountered. Lowell Hocalter, speaking for Lifeguard Group, described school assemblies and survivor-centered presentations…