Press Release: Representative Barton Testifies on Bill to Combat Human Trafficking

HB 3623 would provide Human Trafficking Hotline information

SALEM – Representatives Brent Barton (D-Clackamas) and Jefferson Smith (D-East Portland) joined by Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy Keith Bickford testified yesterday to the House Interim Committee on Human Services about HB 3623. This bill would help combat human trafficking in Oregon. In February 2009, in a sting in 30 U.S. cities by FBI offices and local law enforcement, Portland yielded the second most arrests and victims in the nation.

“Oregon has become a hub for the smugglers and pimps who are forcing these victims into prostitution,” said Rep Barton in the packed committee room. “Because of a lack of awareness or understanding of the issue, these girls rarely get the treatment or help they need, and are often treated as criminals rather than the victims they are.”

HB 3623 would allow a nonprofit organization to provide the Oregon Liquor Control Commission with National Human Trafficking Hotline stickers and other information about human trafficking – free of any charge to the state.

The Polaris Project, a Washington DC nonprofit dedicated to combat human trafficking, has committed to providing the materials. The OLCC will then include a sticker and a cover letter in their annual mailing to licensees designed to educate establishment owners of the issue and encourage them to post the materials in a conspicuous place.

“This is the first step in a broader program to fight human trafficking,” said Rep. Smith who is co-sponsoring the bill. “It will increase awareness of the issue in Oregon and lay the groundwork for future actions.”

Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel added, “Thanks to the great leadership of Reps. Barton and Smith, Oregon has an opportunity to lead the nation in addressing this long-overlooked issue.”

HB 3623 is Rep. Barton’s priority bill for the Special Session beginning February 1st.