Senator Roth Brings Parents into Human Trafficking Fight

August 28, 2018

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, California took a crucial step in the ongoing fight against human trafficking. SB 1104 – which will require schools to share human trafficking prevention resources with parents and guardians – received unanimous support from the California State Senate and heads to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. The legislation is co-authored by Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa).

“Human trafficking is an insidious form of abuse. Traffickers force their victims to hide the horrific manipulation happening to them,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “The watchful eye of parents and guardians must be brought into this fight for our children. Parents are more adept – than possibly a teacher or law enforcement officer – at identifying sudden changes in behavior, depression, unexplained cash, fake identification, or signs of abuse in their children.”

California leads the nation with the most reported cases of human trafficking. While state lawmakers have passed important bills over the years that require teachers and students to be provided information related to these heinous crimes, parents and guardians have not yet been provided resources. SB 1104 would provide that missing link.

“We are worried about the future of young people in California; human trafficking can happen to the child next door or down the street,” said Dori Kelsey, California Federation of Women’s Club President. “SB 1104 is one more tool to put an end to this horrible stain on our communities. SB 1104 is the one tool that helps parents understand what is happening and gives them the resources they need to combat the problem.”

Senator Roth continued: “Human trafficking happens in every neighborhood. Today, we sent a strong message to these horrific purveyors of abuse: not in our community.”

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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.