By Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam
A bill championed by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath aimed at curbing human trafficking was signed into law by President Donald Trump last week.
The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act requires the U.S. Department of Labor to train its employees on strategies to identify human trafficking. Those workers who come across suspected trafficking will be required to report it to law enforcement.
McBath, D-Marietta, was the original co-sponsor of the bill, teaming up with Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg, R-Michigan.
Back when the bill was first introduced last year, McBath said the law is all about protecting vulnerable people who could become a target.
“Traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable in our society, targeting women and children,” she said in a statement. “This effort will enhance the Department of Labor’s ability to identify and protect victims as well as hold perpetrators accountable.”
