Jones Advances Bill to Better Track and Capture Human Traffickers and Kidnappers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, cracked down on human traffickers on Illinois roadways by empowering the Illinois State Police (ISP) to tap into automated tollway cameras to capture and shut down human trafficking operations.

“When a vulnerable individual is taken from their home, gas station or grocery store, we need to be doing everything in our power to bring them home; this legislation ensures we can do just that, “Jones said. “;Every year, hundreds of young kids are victims of human and sex trafficking, with Illinois being a hotspot. If we are to give families an opportunity to see their family members again, we need to pass this legislation.”

Jones passed House Bill 3339 which allows law enforcement to use images captured by state- operated cameras and those operated by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority when conducting investigations into human trafficking and forcible servitude.

The legislation specifically prohibits these images from being subject to FOIA.

House Bill 3339 passed both Houses and awaits final consideration by the governor.