HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 143

(By Delegate Rowan)

[Introduced March 6, 2020]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study and analyze the continued impact of human trafficking in West Virginia and improved methods to minimize, deter, and prevent human trafficking and facilitate effective treatment for victims of human trafficking.

Whereas, Human trafficking is an under-reported crime in West Virginia that affects hundreds of children and families throughout the state; and

Whereas, Victims of human trafficking may be exploited by a broad spectrum of sources and methods which may otherwise appear legitimate; and

Whereas, Minimizing, deterring, and preventing the sources and methods of human and sex trafficking is important to reducing the physical and emotional damage inflicted by perpetrators upon victims which in turn impacts the state economy and cost of government services; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study and analyze the continued impact of human trafficking in West Virginia and improved methods to minimize, deter, and prevent human trafficking and facilitate effective treatment for victims of human trafficking; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study include an examination of the highest risk sources and methods of human trafficking of the children and youth of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study consider that with the rise in grand-families, many elder guardians are not well versed in the hazards of technology and social media, and thus may not be aware of the victimization and grooming of children and adolescents that takes place by perpetrators of human trafficking and sexual abuse; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study seek best practices related to train and educate service providers and community resources, especially those who are mandated reporters, to recognize the risk factors of human trafficking and appropriately report and potentially intervene on behalf of young victims; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study determine best practices in prevention through age-appropriate education of children and teens related to avoiding high risk behavior and locations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That not later than 60 days prior to the beginning of the 2021 regular session of the Legislature, the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct a study, prepare reports, and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriates to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.