Legislation to Bring Parents into Fight Against Human Trafficking Passes Assembly Appropriations

(SACRAMENTO) – California’s fight against trafficking received a boost today. Senator Richard D. Roth’s SB 1104 – which will require schools to provide human trafficking prevention resources to parents and guardians – was passed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee in a unanimous vote.

“Human traffickers groom their victims over time and force them to hide the danger they’re in,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “Parents and guardians play such an important role in this fight because they are adept at identifying their child’s sudden changes in behavior, depression, unexplained cash, fake identification, or signs of abuse.”

California leads the nation with the most reported cases of human trafficking. State lawmakers have passed important bills over the years that require teachers and students to be provided information related to this insidious crime, but parents and guardians have not been included in the effort to combat children being preyed upon. SB 1104 identifies and fixes that missing link.

Senator Roth continued: “Human trafficking has increasingly begun to overwhelm California’s law enforcement and social services; we must enlist everyone in this fight which should include the parents of potential victims."

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.