Heck Introduces Youth Trafficking Victim Support Bill

Press Release

Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today introduced legislation to provide additional support to runaway and homeless youth who are victims of trafficking.

The Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act of 2015 is identical to legislation Rep. Heck introduced in 2014 which passed the House unanimously. The new bill will be voted on next week.

"Anti-trafficking advocates in my district have told me we need to improve resources and support for youth trafficking victims," Rep. Heck said. "We can do that through the Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act of 2015. All of us have a moral obligation to support the victims of these heinous acts, especially our young people, who are among the most vulnerable and likely to become victims. Our bill helps ensure that those suffering from the trauma of these deplorable acts will have access to the care and support they need. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee on Education and the Workforce to once again pass this bill in the House."

House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (MN) added, "As a father and grandfather, there is no more terrifying thought than a loved one falling victim to human sex trafficking. Yet each year, hundreds of thousands of families are forced to endure the pain and suffering of this heinous crime. We have a moral obligation to do everything we can to stop it and support the victims. I am pleased to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in advancing that vital effort. "

The Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act:

* Enables the Secretary of Health and Human Services to apply existing grant resources to train relevant staff on the effects of human trafficking in runaway and homeless youth victims, and for developing state-wide strategies to serve such youth.

* Allows the secretary to utilize the Street Outreach Program to provide street-based services for runaway and homeless youth who are victims of trafficking.

The legislation was drafted as a response to feedback Rep. Heck received at an anti-human trafficking panel discussion in May 2014. The panel brought together local elected officials, law enforcement, and victims advocates. One area of agreement on the panel discussion was that more resources were needed for victims' advocacy and support, especially for at-risk youth.

The transient nature of the Las Vegas population and the city's status as a major national and international travel destination make it a target for individuals who engage in human trafficking. In fact, according to the Nevada Attorney General's website, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has recovered 2,229 victims of sex trafficking since 1994 and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline has received 496 calls from around Nevada since 2009.

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