Gentile hails Connecticut's efforts against human trafficking

State leads way in fight; law gets tougher Oct. 1

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, is hailing Connecticut’s efforts against human trafficking.  

Beginning in October, hotel and motel operators must train their staff to recognize signs of human trafficking.  

The operators must also keep records of their guests.

In addition, the General Assembly will get annual reports from law enforcement outlining: 

law enforcement’s participation in federal, statewide, or regional anti-trafficking efforts; referrals related to human trafficking allegations; criteria used to determine the validity of human trafficking allegations; coordination among state and local police on trafficking cases; obstacles to investigating trafficking; the number of missing children investigations; the number of referrals from DCF related to trafficking; and the number of trafficking cases referred for prosecution.

“I am so proud of this legislation,” Gentile said. “It came about thanks to the women's caucus of the General Assembly who recognized the extent of this horrible crime and urgent need to address it. We worked side by side, across the aisle to ensure that our law would be comprehensive and effective. Because of my commitment and that of my colleagues, Connecticut's law is model legislation for our country.”

Connecticut’s aggressive anti-trafficking laws have attracted the attention of law enforcement and civil rights groups across the U.S.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.