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Minutes for SB56 - Committee on Judiciary

Short Title

Requiring posting of a human trafficking awareness notice approved by the attorney general in certain businesses and public places.

Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 22, 2021

 

Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on SB56.  Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1) Ms. Scott stood for questions.

Proponent

Jennifer Montgomery (Attachment 2) stated in 2013, the Kansas Legislature recognized the Human Trafficking Advisory Board (HTAB) as the state's official Board.  This team of advisers is composed of law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, court personnel, advocates, survivors of human trafficking and other pertinent parties who have expertise in this field.  SB56 first introduced in 2020 as Senate Bill 371, which was a direct result of recommendations from the HTAB.  That bill passed the Senate 39-0, but unfortunately was not considered by the House prior to the Legislature's early adjournment.  The HTAB is again recommending the bill this year.  SB56 would require posting in certain businesses of signs approved by the attorney general that includes information on human trafficking, especially the phone number for the National Human Trafficking Hotline.  Current law encourages businesses to post this information; passage of SB56 would make this posting mandatory.  Posting this hotline number is important because it not only provides tips to law enforcement, it also connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support to get help and stay safe.  Ms. Montgomery stood for questions.

Proponent Written

  • Ed Klumpp, KS Sheriffs Assoc.; Ks Assoc of Chiefs of Police; Ks Peace Officers Assoc. (Attachment 3)
  • Becky Schwartz, Associate Executive Director, Fuel True Independent Energy and Convenience (Attachment 4)
  • Gregory Smith, Johnson County Sheriff's Office (Attachment 5)
  • Chuck Weber, Executive Director The Kansas Catholic Conference (Attachment 6)
  • Tara Mays, Vice President State Legislative Relations, Kansas Hospital Assn. (Attachment 7)
  • Sharon Sullivan, Topeka Shawnee County anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (Attachment 8)

Being no further testimony, Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on SB56.