Committee weighs bill to require human-trafficking prevention education in North Dakota schools

Bismarck — The Senate Education Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2330 on human‑trafficking prevention education, a bill that would require districts and institutions to provide age‑appropriate training and awareness for students and staff.

Supporters including survivors and nonprofit founders told the committee early awareness can save lives and urged wide implementation. Lisa Hanson, founder of Next Step NDA, told senators the organization was formed after witnessing local trafficking and pushed for school‑based prevention: “Education is power,” Hanson said, arguing schools reach children “who are most targeted.” Lowell Hochulter, founder of the Lifeguard Group, described school assemblies and said adolescents are at a “critical age” for prevention and that early education equips students “to recognize the signs” and seek help.

The bill’s text, as discussed in the hearing, would require annual…