Image Credit: tn.gov
The Center Square [By Jon Styf] –
Tennessee Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, filed a bill that would require all adult-oriented businesses to display human trafficking hotline information that would be overseen by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The hotline information required by House Bill 1848 would be posted at the entrances and in the restrooms of adult cabaret and adult-oriented establishments.
Starting July 1, notice would have to be posted saying “If you or a person you know is a victim of human trafficking, help is available. Please contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline below: 1 (855) 558-6484.”
“The horror of human trafficking requires our unwavering attention and action,” Parkinson said. “This bill, with the support of the TBI’s hotline, is a testament to our commitment to eradicate this plight from our state. It empowers victims and the public to take a stand against trafficking.”
Human trafficking was a focus during Tennessee’s fall 2023 special session when a bill was passed to create a new child and human trafficking crimes report from TBI’s human trafficking unit.
That December report showed that sex trafficking in Tennessee increased significantly from 66 in 2016 to more than 600 in 221 and 518 in 2023.
That bill was pushed the Tennessee Faith and Freedom Coalition, which was surprised by Parkinson’s bill.
“This isn’t a bad bill but we are very confused as to why Rep. Parkinson has decided to file a bill that addresses human trafficking, albeit in a miniscule manner, given that he was literally the only member of the State House to vote against our special session anti-trafficking bill that became law,” a statement from the coalition board said.
About the Author: Jon Styf, The Center Square Staff Reporter – Jon Styf is an award-winning editor and reporter who has worked in Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan in local newsrooms over the past 20 years, working for Shaw Media, Hearst and several other companies. Follow Jon on Twitter @JonStyf.