Richardson Gives Testimony for Human Trafficking Awareness Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) provided testimony to the House State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday for House Bill 561. She authored this legislation to designate a Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio that will coincide with the federal government’s recognition of the day each January 11th. 

“To designate January 11th as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio, is to take a stance as legislators against modern-day slavery,” said Richardson. “Human trafficking victims are exploited sexually and for labor each day in our State and we need to shine a light upon this problem.”

It is Richardson’s hope that a Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio will improve how our communities view and approach this important topic. During her testimony she drew attention to the misconceptions surrounding human trafficking and the need for improved support for victims and survivors. 

Richardson also noted that Ohio is one of the top reporting states with calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, placing the 6th most calls in 2020 and indicating a growing need for greater prevention efforts. 

“This legislation is not just another designation day, but rather an invitation to awareness and a call to action. House Bill 561 strengthens Ohio’s fight against the devastating practice of human trafficking and shows that we (the General Assembly) are here, and we care,” she added.

Richardson is joint sponsoring this bipartisan bill with State Representative Dontavius L. Jarrells.