SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed a bill through committee Wednesday that would ensure businesses give their employees mandated human trafficking training.

“This legislation will allow local governments and local law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to ensure they are giving their employees this crucial training,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We must do everything we can to make sure our communities are safe and combatting human trafficking is a top priority.”

Current law requires certain hotel, restaurant and truck stop employees to go through human trafficking recognition training. Halpin’s bill would allow local government and law enforcement to oversee and issues penalties to those establishments not in compliance with the law. Hotels, restaurants and truck stops are businesses that see a high propensity of human trafficking due to the nature of their business according to the U.S. State Department.

“This legislation will strengthen enforcement of existing human trafficking prevention training requirements for hotel employees, adding an extra layer of accountability. The hospitality industry plays a key role in identifying and working to put an end to human trafficking, and we are proud to partner with lawmakers to enhance these efforts,” said Keenan Irish, vice president of government relations and member engagement for the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “We thank Senator Halpin for his leadership on this measure and remain committed to enacting policies aimed at protecting our guests and our communities”

Senate Bill 1422 passed the Local Government Committee and awaits a vote by the full Senate.