State Representative Brian Lorenz Announces Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking Operations Masquerading as Massage Businesses

State Representative Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) announced today that he is drafting legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking operations operating under the guise of massage parlors and wellness businesses across Ohio.

The legislation comes in direct response to the recent human trafficking and prostitution investigation involving a massage parlor in Powell.

Representative Lorenz said he began working with the Powell Police Department, law enforcement officials, and anti-human trafficking advocates immediately following the investigation to identify weaknesses in Ohio law and develop reforms designed to prevent these criminal enterprises from operating in local communities.

“Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and criminal organizations are exploiting loopholes in Ohio law while hiding behind legitimate businesses,” said Representative Lorenz. “The situation in Powell was deeply disturbing, and it became clear that Ohio needs stronger tools to shut these operations down before more victims are harmed.”

The legislation will focus on strengthening oversight and enforcement authority for massage establishments, increasing transparency requirements for ownership and employment records, enhancing penalties for businesses used to facilitate trafficking and prostitution, and providing additional tools for state and local law enforcement to identify and shut down illicit operations. The proposal will also include provisions intended to support victims and survivors of human trafficking while protecting legitimate massage therapists and wellness businesses operating lawfully in Ohio.

“Most massage therapists are hardworking professionals providing legitimate services,” Lorenz said. “This legislation is about protecting those businesses while making sure Ohio is no longer an easy target for traffickers and organized criminal activity.”

Representative Lorenz expects formal bill language to be introduced in the coming weeks following continued collaboration with law enforcement, survivor advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders.