Hurley Introduces Measure Aimed at Curbing Human Trafficking

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hoping to alert truck drivers to the warning signs of human trafficking, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, introduced legislation this week that will require curriculum on human trafficking for those obtaining their CDL license in Illinois.

“Truck drivers spend an enormous amount of time on our highways and roads, allowing them a unique perspective that can prove vital in the fight against human trafficking,” said Hurley. “This legislation will help ensure our truck drivers have the information they need to identify the warning signs of human trafficking, and take action to help prevent this form of outrageous exploitation.”

Hurley introduced House Bill 1677, which will add to the required curriculum for obtaining a commercial driver’s license, information about identifying the warning signs of human trafficking. Currently, human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry reportedly generating an annual profit of $32 billion. Hurley hopes this bill will lead to increased reporting of activity that may be linked to human trafficking. House Bill 1677 passed out of Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges committee, and now heads to the House floor for consideration.

“The only way we will ever be able to curb the tragedy of human trafficking is to ensure everyone is educated on ways to identify the warning signs,” said Hurley. “Engaging truck drivers in the fight to eliminate human trafficking can make a dent in these heinous crimes.”