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Bill would require tattoo and piercing shops to post human-trafficking signs; advocacy group offers support
Summary
House Bill 324 would require tattoo and piercing establishments to post visible human-trafficking awareness signage and direct DHSS to provide a list of free nonprofit training programs; Sarah Poore of the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council told the committee businesses contacted were receptive and supportive.
Sen. Poore presented House Bill 324, which would require tattoo parlors and piercing establishments to display human-trafficking awareness signage and would direct DHSS to publish a list of free, nonprofit-led training programs for staff to recognize indicators, respond safely and refer victims to resources.
Sponsor testimony described the measure as a practical step to increase visibility of resources for victims and to partner with businesses uniquely positioned to spot warning signs. Sarah Poore, executive director of the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council, testified that her organization notified multiple tattoo and piercing establishments and did not receive negative feedback; she said businesses were "very excited to be part of this." Poore added national research indicating roughly half of trafficking survivors have been tattooed or branded and urged the committee to consider the bill as a tool to connect survivors with resources.
The sponsor said the bill is an opt-in program and would take one year after enactment to allow time for implementation. No formal committee action was recorded at this hearing.
