by Jon Styf
Tennessee Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, filed a bill that would require all adult-oriented businesses to display human trafficking hotline information that would be overseen by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The democrat what the only vote against the anti-trafficking bill passed during the special session last fall.
“This isn’t a bad bill but we are very confused as to why Rep. Parkinson has decided to file a bill that addresses human trafficking, albeit in a miniscule manner, given that he was literally the only member of the State House to vote against our special session anti-trafficking bill that became law,” a statement from the Tennessee Faith and Freedom Coalition board said.
House Bill 1848 would require hotline information be posted at the entrances and in the restrooms of adult cabaret and adult-oriented establishments.
Starting July 1, notice would have to be posted saying “If you or a person you know is a victim of human trafficking, help is available. Please contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline below: 1 (855) 558-6484.
“The horror of human trafficking requires our unwavering attention and action,” Parkinson (pictured above) said. “This bill, with the support of the TBI’s hotline, is a testament to our commitment to eradicate this plight from our state. It empowers victims and the public to take a stand against trafficking.”
Human trafficking was a focus during Tennessee’s fall 2023 special session when a bill was passed to create a new child and human trafficking crimes report from TBI’s human trafficking unit.
That December report showed that sex trafficking in Tennessee increased significantly from 66 in 2016 to more than 600 in 221 and 518 in 2023.
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Jon Styf is a staff reporter at The Center Square.
Photo “State Rep Antonio Parkinson” by State Rep Antonio Parkinson.
