H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments: transcript

Thank you. I dunno if I'm wrong, you are not. Gimme one second. Now you are. Okay,

Wonderful. Thank you so much. Um, I'm happy to be here today to present HB four 11, which is a traffic, human trafficking trafficking hotline amendments. I don't know if you are aware how many cases of human trafficking actually occur in our nation each year, but according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who has one of the numbers that people can call, there are, there was in 2025, 113,500 reports of possible sex trafficking, which was an increase of 323% just in one year from 2024. They also reported in 2025 that one in seven of these victims of child trafficking were also missing children. So sometimes the children are trafficked under the nose of people that they know. They still live with their family in their homes and, you know, in their neighborhoods. So nobody knows that these things are going on, but they are going on and then sometimes the child is actually missing. So I think it's important to recognize that there's a lot of people who could be privy to this, um, information about child trafficking and who is trafficked. So, um, there are two different numbers right now. In fact, there might even be more than two different numbers, but I know for sure that there are two different numbers that are hotline numbers and I've seen them at different places and it gets me so confused because I don't know what number is the real number and I can't remember the numbers. So I don't know how it is in the men's restroom at the airport, but at the women's restroom, at the airport, on the back of every door, there's the, a picture of a young girl who looks scared and sad and hurt and like something's going on. And it will say, you know, are you being taken somewhere without your permission? Or, you know, it will ask some question that makes them wonder, is everything okay? And then it will have a phone number. Call this number or text this. One of the numbers is 1 8 8 8 7 3 7 3 7 8 8 8. One of the numbers is 1-800-843-FIVE 6 7 8. Alternately, you can also text 2 3 3 7 3 3. And honestly, as I look at those things, I have tried multiple times to remember the number. I thought I need to know that number. Should I ever see something, somebody give an indication that something might not be okay. I need to know who to call and how to handle the situation and maybe even get advice from someone. I've gotta have this number down. Try as I might, I can't do it. I can't memorize it. And here's the thing I have to admit is that I don't even memorize my children's phone numbers anymore. Are you like that? Because that is the case. I know my number, I know my husband's number. I don't even know my mom's number. I used to know my parents' number, but as soon as we got cell phone, nu I don't have that anymore. Okay? So this is where we're at. And I do know, however, that 9 8 8 is a number that is for the, um, suicide prevention hotline number, right? So there are three digit numbers that are easier to remember. So here's the thing. We could make a three digit number ourselves, um, if we wanted to try really hard, but there's only certain ones we can use. And most of them are owned by the federal government. So what this bill does is it says that we want to petition the federal government to give the nation a three digit number for child trafficking. Child trafficking is extremely under-reported. So you, you heard me say that the reports had gone up 323% and that there were over a hundred thousand reports that happened just in one year. But that's only on one of the hotlines, not on both of those hotlines that I listed. There are many more reports, and then there are many that are, are un under-reported. So there were different studies that were done about this reporting. The Department of Health and Human Services of the United States estimated the number of actual child trafficking cases being between 240,320 5,000 per year. So we're not getting all of those reports. The University of Pennsylvania also did some figuring and put their estimate between a hundred thousand and 300,000, um, actual cases. So of course, some of the reports are not going to lead to actual findings, and so that has to be considered as well. So we have reached out to this, this idea was actually brought to me by Wendy Jensen Nichols, who's here with me. She's gonna speak in just a second. Um, and we've been talking with other states, working with other states on this bill. There are seven other states that are running this bill. If multiple states petition the federal government at the same time, then they're more likely to give us the trafficking number. Um, we have three other states that are also saying that they're probably going to join us, so we're working with them as well to help. And that would be, uh, including Utah. If we pass this bill, 11 states that are looking at this issue and petitioning the federal government. I've also been in connection with the current administration as well as with Celeste Malloy and her office. And she is ready to run it on the federal side. So once the petition is made, she's willing to follow through on that side. Um, we have to work with the FCC and we're already having conversations there. So we are hoping today that what you will do is see the importance of this and help us lead out in the nation as the first state that gets the bill passed so that we can start this process of creating a national trafficking hotline. You'll see that the fiscal note is zero. And so this is hopefully going to be one that feels nice and comfy to pass for us. I'm gonna turn the time over to Wendy, and then after that we're going to be hearing, uh, about, about Kimberly's story of trafficking.

Thank you. Hi, and thank you, um, chair members. My name is Wendy Jensen Nichols. Um, and can you imagine a child or an adult, um, being trafficked tonight, not being kidnapped, but they are being groomed, manipulated and controlled often by somebody that they know. And when this finally gathers the courage for that person to actually seek for help, again, there's no simple EEG easy three digit number for them to call. Just like we currently have, as Representative Peck had mentioned, we have 9 1 1 for emergencies. We have 9, 8, 8 for suicide prevention. We don't have an easy number to contact and get support and help for human trafficking. And that is why we have come up with this concept to bring that so nationally. So no matter where anybody is, they can call this number directly and get support and help immediately. And so with that, um, why this is so passionate to me is this happened in my own family and I had nowhere to go and I didn't know who to call. And so I know this has been the same case for many other individuals. They don't know where to turn to. And so if we created this three digit number that would fill in the gap as to where and what people would need to do to get support and help immediately, um, with that, um, we believe, um, in Utah, as Representative Peck had mentioned that we would be, um, the state to start this, um, number. And like she mentioned, there are many other states that are supportive and ready to roll this out as well. Um, we have many people here that are here to support in unity. Um, we feel that, um, this is something that we can stand together and unite and make a difference. And on that note, I would like to introduce Kim, who was trafficked here in Utah, um, growing up by her adopted dad. And with that, I'll turn the time over to Kim.

It's nice to see a familiar face, Representative Ivory with been here before. I didn't know how I'd get through, uh, a year without being here. Um, thank you. It's an honor. And also, you know, kind of a weight and pain. Do you mind just sharing with us your name and introduce yourself? Sorry. Kimberly Raya Cohen. Thank you. Sorry. Um, I have anxiety. So, and Kanosh left with his mints. I'm like, I need him to probably toss me one. Um, as Wendy mentioned, I was human trafficked here. My abuse is very extensive and outside the realm of what a lot of people might even dare listen to. But at birth, I was human trafficked into a family who intended to traffic me. I was adopted and I was brutally abused almost every day with domestic violence. I was raped and controlled by my adoptive father, his brothers, their community. And I was sold and traded for goods, for power, for money, for access to things from here through Idaho, into Washington. And most of that was here domestically. Um, I didn't have a voice. There were police called many times to come intervene because there was so much, much domestic violence and we were always returned to the home. I didn't have the words human trafficking. Now we do, thankfully we understand it more, but I would dare say most victims would not even consider that that is what they're experiencing because there is also so much underlying trauma and so many circumstances that confuse it. Um, I was in the school system, so I am so grateful that our school board, commissioner, commissioner, I don't know, is here because I was showing signs every day that there was trauma, that there was something wrong. I was in the principal's office more than I was ever in the classroom. I had an eating disorder. I was cutting, I was overdosing. I I didn't have words to say what was wrong, but my life was horrible. I was an honor student. I was a cheerleader. I didn't even sleep an hour at night because every night I'd return home to, to rape, to trafficking, to whatever my father at the time decided was needed. It included pregnancies that were aborted. And so many things I I know this is a lot of information and I don't want to lose you in, in those grueling details, but part of the problem was the legal system completely failed me. We're all mandated reporters in Utah, in the United States, as far as I understand. I was looking it up. I think even in Canada, a lot of countries have, you know, if you're an adult, but no one reported. No one reported. I believe something like this number gives an easy way for someone to report an easy way for the appropriate response and the appropriate people to respond to accounts of abuse. Again, I was, I was your girl next door. I looked normal. I did not act normal. I still don't. It's just my quirkiness. But, you know, it's, it's not obvious. I did have bruises. I, I had all the signs, but because I smiled, no one really knew. Except they did. They're like, something's off. Something is, is wrong. And you, when you make a report of abuse, you don't have to be a hundred percent correct. You, the burden of proof is not on you. It, it's now turned over to someone who can investigate, who can make the appropriate calls and, and do the appropriate work to make sure someone gets the care that they need. I, my exit through all of the trauma was a suicide attempt. And that shouldn't be how it is. You know, people's only exit and ref, um, refuge from their trauma should not be end of life or, or scars on their arms and body or overdosing or drug addiction or incarceration, or, I've been in the mental institution many, many times. One and a half years of my life total because of flashbacks. I'm still, still completely, um, held, held by the, by the trauma that is in my mind. I don't sleep at night because it is just bombarding me. And, and again, this is right under someone's nose. I Uintah a church where the, I was with other people and, and there were reports of domestic violence that were not followed up on. Um, and again, police came in and out. They took us outta the home and they put us right back. I have pictures that were taken. But you know, it's when you've gone through so much, your, your faith that there is something out there that can help really diminishes. So if we, as Utah, especially my home where I felt like my soul was ravaged, my body was ravaged. If we can lead out in, in something that can actually help be a resource to not only the victim, but someone who wants to help a reporter, a, a, a Helper, it, it, it could just change, change the world, change lives, save lives, literally save lives. Um, I am glad I'm here because I get to do things like this and have a voice where they tried to silence my voice. That the trauma is so deep and their, their threats are so real. When they say they will kill you, you have seen them do it. You've been part of those things and you believe them. And so anyone reporting, I mean, for me, that was it. Maybe not everyone has that threat, but there are threats. Those, there's coercion, there's grooming. It's like, this is our family. This is, you know, maybe a boyfriend who, who they love, or a pastor or a bishop or someone who should be trustworthy and, and maybe no one believes the story because they, they wouldn't do that. So believing the victim, giving them a voice, giving them a way to report, to even say, I don't know what is happening to me, but something is wrong. And letting there be follow up that is appropriate swift and and thorough for the victim as well as the reporter. I've been, uh, a case manager for human trafficking survivors and I've had to make many reports and there's so very little follow through. It's, I mean my, it's unfortunate that even now you call DCFS and you, you pretty much know it's someone's going to deny it. And that's the end of the investigation. So we can do better. We need to do better because it's not just abuse, it's not just pain and suffering. It is literally lives lost and generational trauma that follows if we are not, if we don't do our due diligence in being aware of the problem and then addressing it in the very best way we can.

Thank you. Thank you Kimberly. Um, so I appreciate that. So when we're talking about trafficking, obviously there's sex trafficking that we're talking about, but there's also labor trafficking, there's also trafficking for adults and there's trafficking for children and they all can get caught up in it. Um, as far as this hotline goes, we do anticipate that not only will it be a easy reporting for trafficking, but it will also make it so that some of these other exploitation cases are actually reported. Um, Wendy has a quick, uh, stat on exploitation.

Yeah. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, over 36 million reports of suspected child exploitation were made in a single year. And that is one in six endangered runaways, were likely victims of sex trafficking.

So anyway, we do anticipate that there will be other abuse cases and exploitation cases that will end up being recognized and dealt with. Also, just because there is an easy number that people will have to be able to call. Um, we've already heard a story, a heart wrenching story. I hate hearing those stories, but they're also so important for us to hear. There are a couple of people who, um, I've known about their circumstances who are close to me. One within my extended family who went missing for like a year and a half came back, um, pregnant and luckily was found after searching all over and never had left the state, but had been trafficked. And, um, it's rampant. It's rampant. I think that there's hardly a person that doesn't hear of something related to trafficking nowadays. And I'm hoping that this will be a step in a good direction for us to handle this better. And with that Mr. Chair, I'm open to any questions.

Yeah, thanks. I'm gonna have to go to present another meeting, but I wanted to ask you what, in, if you call 9 1 1, can they push that call to someone who, you know, to one of those other lines? Uh, or I mean, can they deal with it or do we need a separate one? And why would that be?

That's a super good question. I mean, obviously right now that would probably be, if somebody thought, okay, I don't know the number, there's probably a number for it, I'm gonna call 9 1 1. What would happen is 9 1 1 would then actually route to other things. They might say, well, maybe we need to call DCFS about this, or maybe we need to call one of the trafficking hotlines, or maybe we need to call something related to Homeland Security. You know what I mean? Like, they might try to route some things. The nice thing about having a line that's just specific to trial trafficking, which we already have right now, multiple lines, like I mentioned, is that those people are specifically like up on how to handle this, what the signs are, what to look for. And they have all the people who are ready to do all of the investigating on it. And this would bring it all together under, um, one, number, one house nationally, which would make it so that, you know, on a bathroom door or something, people would know, okay, this is in this airport, we see this kind of thing a lot. Right? And so we know what we're looking for when people are traveling around and they could easily have it in their mind to be able to call it. Thank you.

Thank you. And thank you for bringing this forward. Uh, I appreciate your work on this and I think it's something we do need to address. I just have a couple of questions. First of all, um, can you address, does this touch on labor trafficking as well?

Yes, it does both and I'm glad you bring that up because there's actually a lot of different reasons that people are trafficked. I actually have, um, multiple, so we heard about, um, familial trafficking, which is what Kimberly's situation was, but then there's nonfamilial trafficking, which are people who you might develop a relationship with, could even be like a boyfriend or a neighbor or something like that. And they'll groom you and pull you into trafficking. And then there's buyer, um, perpetuated trafficking where they actually like sell you from place to place through a buyer network. And then there's, um, trafficking related to gangs and stuff, and these types of trafficking, um, happen for labor and for sex.

Okay, thank you. And then one more question if I may. Mm-hmm. Um, and you may have mentioned this, I I came in a little late, so I apologize. There's a zero fiscal note, and so I don't know if you explained that. Um, how is there zero fiscal

Now? I know, right? We worked really hard on that to make sure. So yeah, so basically, um, DHHS has already done the application for 9, 8 8. They know how to apply to the FCC in order to get these three digit numbers started. And so what this bill really calls for is just an application process is please just apply because the FCC owns those numbers, those three digits numbers are considered national assets, so they have to dish them out. And so it has to be an application. So we're just saying make an application. The ags office has been really involved with this on putting together the ideas for this as well, because of course they are really heavily involved in this area within our state. And so they are going to work with DHHS and get that, that form filed, the two of them working together. But it's really just an application process. It's not incredibly intense. Um, so they're able to do it pretty simply. And then, um, Celeste Malloy will take it on the other side in the DC side, and hopefully with these other states doing the same thing, the FCC will be able to allocate one of those numbers. And even on that end, since we already have these, um, nonprofit numbers that are out there where people are trying to capture some of this to make a difference, then um, they'll be able to link to those professionals that are already providing it and basically it'll be routing that number to now these other professionals. So it shouldn't be super cost intensive, it will just make it easier for people to make those reports and it's so under-reported. So that's what we're hoping is to be able to help more people with it.

I thank you Mr. Chair. I, I think I'm more confused after hearing the 9 1 1 question. If, if these n one one numbers are national assets and, and obviously the more we use them, the, the more it becomes difficult to remember which number is, is which, and, and if calling 9 1 1 in, in your opinion, would route, would give those dispatchers an opportunity to route a call to the, the proper professionals. Um, isn't 9 1 1 the solution you're looking for in terms of getting a call quickly routed to, um, like the, the sub hotlines that you're talking about?

Yeah, thank you. I probably should have been a little bit, a little bit more detailed in my answer to that previous question, so I appreciate you asking it again. So basically 9 1 1 is for emergencies, right then, right? So it could be that there's a sign of like, oh, well, there could be something going on at the neighbors, but we're not sure if it's like actually an emergency. It requires more of an investigation instead of an emergency. 9 1 1 is so incredibly busy already with all of the calls that come in, it makes sense to have these investigations handled under people that are currently already working in that space. And so 9 1 1, if everything goes through there, if these 300 and whatever thousand calls that are gonna, you know, I mean, some of them are gonna hit 9 1 1, but if they all are going through 9 1 1 and then 9 1 1 has to route those to other people, that's just taking up all of their time. So if people just know, okay, well this is the trafficking number, then that's gonna take some of the workload off of the 9 1 1 for this problem that's growing and prevalent.

Thank you. Uh, just follow up to that. Mm-hmm. If someone calls the trafficking hotline, what are the odds that they're reporting a crime that needs to be immediately responded to versus just having someone to talk to? Like if, if, if one of my children were being trafficked, I would want someone immediately dispatched to the airport or wherever it is and, and not have to call a hotline that then says, let me route you to emergency services for, for rescue.

Sure. I appreciate that. And I do think that there's some people who call with tips and there's some people who call with emergencies, and there's some people who call wondering where resources are because maybe they've been trafficked and now they're, you know, acclimating back into things or whatever. And so that's why having it all under one house is kind of nice, because we wouldn't wanna send all that stuff through. I don't have an exact number for you on what, I mean, that's an interesting question. I I hadn't thought of what's the percentage of what types of questions are being asked at these national numbers that are these nonprofit numbers at this time. I mean, we could definitely do some looking into that before I got to another committee or something like that, or the floor. But I don't have that number for you right now.

Yeah, I won't take too long. I just wanted to, um, thank Representative Peck for bringing this. I've been working on human trafficking issues as many of you know, since 2014. And we've done a lot of criminal penalties, but we haven't focused a lot on the survivors and people who might be experiencing this and, and where to go. And, and to answer the, the previous question, most people that are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, they're, they're not gonna call an emergency hotline. They want, and sometimes they may not be ready to report, but they need to talk to somebody who underst understands and who's there for them to help them navigate spaces. And so I appreciate you pushing this forward. 'cause I think it's important to have a specific number where someone can go, okay, this isn't address my concern. 'cause we have a sexual hot assault, A hotline specifically for survivors is sexual assault because they're not in call 9 1 1 sometimes because their perpetrator might even be their husband. And the same with domestic violence. There's a hotline for that. And so this is just opening up another door, an opportunity for someone who may be experiencing this to go know that they're gonna be routed to someone they can talk to, that, um, that's gonna listen to them, that's gonna believe them and direct them to resources. 'cause in many of these situations, some people may not wanna go to law enforcement for various reasons. And so this is more about getting that, that victim, you know, to not be a victim, to be a survivor and get the services they need so they don't commit suicide or they, they don't continue to be trafficked. And so I think this is a very important bill and I appreciate you bringing it.

Yes. I was, um, gonna say the same thing as Rep Romero. And, and really the, the, this resource also helps and identifies even like a victim advocate or an advocate for the person, um, when they do call outside of the agency. Um, and, and a lot of times what we found, what I have known have been, has been found is that sometimes the agencies aren't prepared for these types of scenarios. And so the, the online, the, the trafficking hotline will help with that. It will help determine what type of resources they need and where it, where they are also located and where they're being trafficked. So thank you Representative Peck for this. I appreciate it. Can I just add, um, Excuse me. Oh, oh, sorry. Yeah, that was not a question. So sorry.

Um, yes. It, it does.

Okay. I'm Phil Ready. I'm Phyllis Kimmel. I represent the worldwide organization for women. Um, I think this is a great idea. It's so much easier to remember three numbers than a 10 digit number. Uh, if you want to report something or you have suspicions about something going on that doesn't look right, um, I ask you to, uh, vote for this bill. Thank you.

Thank you. So I, I am the floor sponsor of this bill, and I chose to support this bill because it removes one of the biggest barriers that victims face, which is knowing where to turn in a moment of crisis abuse and human trafficking thrive in silence and confusion. And a simple three digit number gives people a clear, immediate lifeline when they need help the most. Now is the right time because we are seeing increased awareness, better coordination among agencies, and a clear understanding that delay costs lives. We have the infrastructure, the partners, and the knowledge. What we need now is a courage to act in a crisis. People don't have time to Google for help. They need one number to remember. This bill turns awareness into action because simplicity is what saves lives. When someone's reaching out for help. The system should meet them with clarity, not complexity. Action is needed now because victims often encounter help only after harm has escalated. And a three digit number shortens the distance between safety and danger. It means faster intervention, better coordination, and fewer people falling through the cracks. I supported this bill because it's practical, compassionate, and bipartisan. It doesn't create a new bureaucracy. It strengthens what already exists and makes it accessible to the people who need it most. This is about speed, access, and dignity. And the longer we wait, the more people we fail. And this bill meets victims where they're at. Every moment we hesitate is a moment that someone is left without help. This bill matters beyond Utah because it offers a clear, scalable solution to a national problem. Human trafficking and abuse do not stop at state lines and neither should access to help. A simple three digit number creates consistency, awareness, and trust. No matter where someone lives, Utah has an opportunity to lead by showing that states can act decisively, responsibly, and compassionately. If it works here, it can work anywhere. Abuse doesn't have a zip code and help shouldn't either. Utah can lead the compassion with compassion and common sense and this, um, because when the path to safety is simple, more people will find it. Thank you.

My name is Pastor Ron Williams. I'm also the chair for Hope of Utah. First, I want to thank you, um, Mr. Chair and committee for your service and also for hearing my comments today. Um, I support HB four 14. I personally was an abused child, and as a child, I wouldn't have remembered a long telephone number to call, but if it was a three digit number, that would've been a tremendous help. Now I work in the office of a pastor, and this would be very beneficial for me in supporting some of the individuals that I work with. I would, I would be able to lead them somewhere that would, uh, be more professional and knew exactly what to deal with and how to, um, how to facilitate their personal situations. So I support this bill and I thank you for, uh, for listening to my comments today.

Thank you chair and representatives of the committee. My name is Brittany Homer and I am the Executive Director of Project Stand, a nonprofit that empowers parents, youth, and communities to use technology in healthy ways. We have had a specific emphasis on addressing the harms of human trafficking, which is often facilitated online. And when I began in this field over a decade ago in Montana, I spent a significant portion of our time creating and distributing cards that gave signs of human trafficking on one side, and then phone numbers for people to contact on the other side. There were numbers for the police department, the FBI and the state human trafficking hotline, but all of them were 10 digits long and impossible to remember without someone carrying that card around everywhere. Human trafficking is a problem in our country and in our state. And just like 9 1 1 and 9, 8, 8, even creating this number would raise awareness while helping victims, bystanders and other concerned individuals actually get and provide help with a simple, easy to remember number to call, which would be answered by people who are trained to respond to human trafficking situation. So I ask you to support this bill, and thank you.

Uh, my name is Rod Leighton. I am a pastor, uh, director of the, of the Weber Morgan Children's Justice Center. I've also been a detective, working Cases, crimes Against Children plus Commander of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. So I've got extensive years of investigating crimes against children. I've also done multiple hundreds actually of presentations on, on this subject. And I always start with the reporting part of it. How did, how do you report these crimes? Uh, what I find is that people will not call 9 1 1. We've kind of built that into them, that if you call 9 1 1 and it's not an emergency, then there's gonna be consequences for doing that. And so a lot of kids or young adults are going, well, this isn't an emergency. This has been a part of my life for the last 10 years, so it's not an emergency, so I'm not gonna call 9 1 1. I found that most kids report to their school teachers. So school teachers save lives. I love school teachers in this state, and I get angry when I hear that they, when people say things about school teachers and the wonderful job they do. So that's where most of the reporting takes place or to clergy. A lot of times it happens to clergy. They don't report to their parents, they don't, they sometimes will report to their friends, but I've talked to Wendy extensively about this. I had my concerns, you know, too many numbers. What are we doing here? And, um, I strongly support this. This is a great idea. Why would we not do this?

Um, thank you Mr. Chair. Uh, Jack Tidrow. I'm the President of the Professional Firefighters of Utah and active duty Salt Lake City Firefighter. I speak in support of this bill. I think more resources is always better. Um, I believe, uh, Representative Peck did a good job illustrating that and answering questions regarding 9 1 1. Um, it, it is overwhelmed system and they, and they still connect, uh, people with other additional resources. Um, most dispatch centers have a non-emergency number. I know what it is in Salt Lake City. I have no clue where I live in Cache Valley. What that non-emergency number is, I would've to look it up and I, I have no idea what it is in or St. George. Um, so I think an additional simpler number, um, is good. A lot of times when us and law enforcement respond to somebody's homes. It wasn't for the problem. We find we could respond there for anything and then we, one of us notices something family dynamic and we, um, if we can we get that person away from everybody else or ask law enforcement to ask a couple questions and then we try to marry him up with, uh, the best resource for their need. So thank you.

I appreciate the opportunity to speak for this bill. I'm Maryanne Christensen, executive director of Utah Legislative Watch. I'm sure that every woman in the room has noticed going into public restrooms, particularly those that are along an i an, um, uh, a freeway corridor. We walk into a stall and on the back of the stall door is a sign that says, are you being trafficked? Here's what you can do. It usually involves a QR code, scanning a QR code to find resources. My thought is traffickers probably don't give their victims phones. And so what that woman needs, if she's being trafficked, is she needs a three digit number. She can walk outta the stall and she can say to another woman, will you please call these three numbers? On the other hand, all the rest of us that might be able to be there when they need us, and call that three digit number for her. We also know what it means because we've been in the stall, we've read the sign. We know that when she says call 5 1 1 or whatever it is, we know that this woman needs us to get her out of human trafficking situations. So this is just such a great idea all the way around. And so thank you for voting for the bill.

Thank you. Thank you Chair. Thank you members of the committee. My name is Joseph Kerry and I serve on the Utah State Board of Education representing the best district in the state, and that'd be the Ogden Weber area. Um, the success of Safe ut demonstrates the good that happens when students and parents have access to a simple but affected method of reporting. As someone who serves in public education, I see every day how schools are more than places of learning. They are places of protection. We know that 9 1 1 receives over 260 million calls a year. We also know that 25% of those calls are hangups. Approximately 60 million people call 9 1 1 every year. And without saying a word, they hang up. It has been estimated that up to 10% of those calls from individuals who, for a brief moment have the courage to make that call. And then it dissipates, it leaves and they just hang up. This three digit number would eliminate that friction. When that student, when that child has the courage to pick up the phone and make the call, we don't want them searching for a phone number. We want them to make that call and capitalize on the courage that they have at that time. I would urge you to support this bill. Thank you.

Randy Elliot, previous Commissioner Davis County. Uh, two terms, decided not to run for a third. Keep myself from going gray hair. Um, I'm here to speak on behalf of the bill. Um, having been a victim of sexual abuse as a child, I would not have called 9 1 1. I would've been terrified. And, you know, having three older siblings that were the same victims from the neighborhood, from the same gentleman, and having repressed that memory for many, many years. And when that memory came back when I was 30 years old, having a simple number to call and be like, where do I seek help? What do I do? Would've been great. And so the past is the past, but now we have the future and the opportunity to do something. The future for future generations for men, women, and children. I won't talk much because my case actually is in the courts right now. For the last six years it's been in the courts because the statute of limitations did not run out on me. They ran out on, on my three siblings. But there, they'll be there to testify. But it'll be something simple for the future for men, women, and children, that they can have a number to call that won't be terrifying to them. Like calling 9 1 1. And I just wanna speak in favor of this bill. Thank you.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I, I move that we pass out HB four 11 human trafficking hotline amendments as substituted. Thank you. The motion is that we pass, we pass with a favorable recommendation house Bill four 11, first substitute.

I'll waive. I'll go now to the sponsor.

Thank you. I really appreciate it. I just have one little thing that I wanted to say regarding the 9 1 1 conversation that we've had. And that is that this, like was mentioned in another question, will also bring in labor trafficking as well as sexual trafficking. Even though that we have spent time there, especially in labor trafficking, people are not going to be calling 9 1 1. They're gonna be thinking, this is my job, this is what I have to do to stay in this country, or whatever it is. And I really do think that shining a light on trafficking itself is going to really do a lot of people a lot of good. So I appreciate the support.

Wave.

Yeah, if I may just quickly, I mean, I Didn't speak during the, the opening of this, but Kim, thank you and all of you. Very important area and one of the most important things government does is protect the innocence. So thank you all for bringing this.

I'll wa I think we've had enough discussion already. Great.

Thank you Mr. Chair. Members of the committee. I'm happy to be here today to present on HB four 11, which is a trafficking hotline that we are trying to establish. So I don't know if you are aware of some of the numbers of trafficking that actually happened in our nation, but they are significant. So according to just one source, and that's one number, um, the number that is 808 4 3 5 6 7 8, which is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, they report in 2025, there was 113,500 reports of possible child sex trafficking. This was a 323% increase from 2024. They estimate that one in seven children that are actually missing, which they were able to verify. 32,000 of those reports as having missing children. One in seven of the missing children are actually trafficked for sex trafficking. So that's just one of the phone numbers. There's also the National Human Trafficking Hotline and others, there are many people that are trying in this space to help people, not just children, but adults too, who are trafficked. So sometimes they're sex trafficked, sometimes it's labor trafficking, and they need a way to get help to get out of these circumstances. So there are multiple different numbers. If you go to airports, you might be in one, uh, airport, and then you might be in a restaurant down the road. And it's a completely different number for trafficking. It's very confusing. And quite frankly, we don't memorize numbers anymore. I don't even know my own children's phone numbers. I hate to admit that I know the number from when I was five years old, but I don't know their numbers. And so I know that a three digit number could really help us. What we have to do is petition the FCC because they actually hold the key to those numbers. So what we do know is that from the human trafficking numbers from the US that there have been estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services that between 240,320 5,000, um, of cases are actually unreported for human trafficking. And that was, um, slightly a number that's similar also, that was estimated by the University of Pennsylvania. So we do know that the numbers are under reported. We also know that even though there's numbers like 9 1 1, that some people don't feel like that they should be calling 9 1 1 because they're like, well, they told me I could only stay in this country if I do this thing. And you know, or maybe it's something, you know, related to their employment and they're getting some money and they don't know what to do without. And so they don't think it's an emergency. They don't know that 9 1 1 would be an option. And so having a, a number that would be dedicated to this would be great. There are multiple states around the nation that are petitioning the FCC at this time with us. We've been working with the AG and, um, DHHS who've already been through this process before for the, um, suicide prevention hotline. And with that, I would like to turn some of my time over to Wendy Jensen Nichols. And then after that, hear quickly from Kim Cohen.

Thank you. Good afternoon, chair and members of the committee. My name is Wendy Jensen Nichols, and I am the founder of WAM Safety. Why Awareness Matters. It's a nonprofit and we provide prevention and support and help for those who have been abused or trafficked. And part of why I'm so passionate about this is I have actually had sex trafficking happen in my own family. And because of that issue, that is what's brought me here today, um, with Representative Peck is to find a solution to help for all of us so that we know where to go to if we suspect any type of human trafficking is happening. And so that way we can better help our children and our grandchildren and those in our community. I stand before you, not only as an advocate, but again, like I mentioned, um, because I have had this in my own family and people don't know where to call or where to go to. And so that is troubling. And so that is why we came up with this three digit number that's very simple, easy to use just like we have for 9 1 1 or 9 8 8 for suicide prevention. That way they can get support and help immediately. Um, the reason why people don't call 9 1 1 is they have been groomed or threatened by the trafficker that indicates that major harm will come to them if they go towards law enforcement. And others have been psychologically controlled to the point that they no longer trust authorities. And in that moment of terror, they are not searching for a long hotline number, but they remember a three digit number. That is why I work towards the simple solution. That's clear. It's memorable, that it's easy for help. Um, if I may, I would respectfully ask the community members here to support the HB 4 1 1 and believe that every trafficking victim deserves a clear path to safety if all of those community members would stand. Thank you. Thank you. We appreciate your attendance today.

Yes, thank you. These individuals are here because they believe no victim should suffer in silence. They are here because they believe protection should be simple and accessible. They are here to fight for sons, daughters, our children who deserve to be safe and have a safe way to reach help. This does not replace 9 1 1. It strengthens our safety net three digits could mean the difference between continuing to be exploited and or rescued. Um, I, again, respect and ask for your support now. And as Representative Peck, we would like to turn the time over to Kim and to Julie, um, who are our courageous survivors, um, who have been sex trafficked here in Utah. I know you have a full schedule. They're gonna be very fast.

I always forget this, so I'm gonna write it now. Uh, my name is Kimberly Raya Cohen and I have testified on multiple things in this space regarding trafficking and istic abuse. And one of the things I thought might be helpful is to understand just a little bit of my story, and I'll try to be quick. I'll try to, Representative Peck spoke very quick, and I'm like, she can maybe outdo me, but I'll try. Um, I was trafficked at birth. I, the, it was a, an arranged adoption, so it appeared to be legal, but it was for the purpose of trafficking me for torture, for sex, for money, for goods, for anything that they could do. Um, experiments, medical experiments. It, it was a very long life. Um, I was finally, um, out at the age of 21 permanently when I, uh, tried to suicide and I escaped and changed my name and, and left where I was. Um, but when I was in high school, there, there came at a point when I knew I was going to die at the hands of my abusers. And when I say abusers, were talking hundreds, we're talking, I was abused and trafficked by hundreds of people. And I know that might sound impossible, but over the course of a young life, it's not. And, and it, it is possible. It's possible. I'm, I'm a living witness that it is. And, um, my bishop at the time had told me he didn't understand that the trafficking was going on. He knew there were horrible things happening. I was told not to tell anyone, but my behavior was a language that was very bizarre. And everyone knew something was wrong. And he just told me if I ever wanted help and needed to get out, I could call him. And I, I reached a point where my stepmom took my younger siblings and left me and my brother. And I am like, we have to get out. I will be dead tonight if I'm not out. And I knew it. And I called my bishop and he said, slight snag, I have to call the police. Um, because if you leave without your parents knowing or without the police involved, you'd be considered a runaway. So there were just a lot of barriers. And the police finally did come and get me. And the, my brother was then taken from the home that we were put in by threat. And, and it was, it was ridiculous. It was absolutely ridiculous that I decided I finally needed help. I called the person who had offered help, and there was about a 24 hour delay, and I was fearing for my life the whole entire time. And I mean, and that's in addition to fearing for my life every day of my life, because there was domestic violence in addition to the trafficking. And that barrier shouldn't be there. People should know what they can do. My bishop should have known what he could do. Like he wanted to help, didn't know how. Teachers should know what they can do. Uh, friends should know what they can do. People should know what they can do in the easiest way possible. It's not their burden to prove that something is going on that's investigator's work. But getting the help immediately is something that can be done and needs to be done. And my life could have been so different if it had been, um, intervened in the many times that we were taken outta the home when I was young. The police were always involved and the police were always putting us back. There's a lot of change. Hopefully that has happened and still needs to happen for children to be safe in the home. But I am here to please ask that you, you make this easier for anyone who would need to report even suspicion of human trafficking by passing this. Thank you.

Hello. It's nice to be here today. Um, kind of intimidating. Haven't done this before. So I, my name is Julie Whitehead and I am a sex trafficking survivor. And everything that I'm going to speak to you today briefly is based on experience. So I just want everyone to think that as we're sitting here right now in our comfortable seats with access to bathrooms and drinks if we need it, and we're all feeling safe, that somewhere right at this very moment, there's a trafficking victim who is either locked in a hotel room, locked in the back of a semi-truck as I was locked in the back of a car who's been threatened. Drugged is maybe physically restrained. I was restrained with zip ties. Um, and that person doesn't have access to clean restrooms, to food, to water. Their ability to use a restroom is often denied them. They are tortured, they are raped repeatedly, and they're terrified. And I can tell you from experience, unfortunately, that I was a victim in Utah. I thought Utah was so safe. This was my home. I've lived here my whole life, nothing like this happens. And then it did. And I was terrified. And that person is out there right now sitting in those conditions wondering, how am I going to make it through this day? And how am I going to see it tomorrow? Maybe they have children as I did. Maybe they have loved ones families that they want to get back to, but there's so many barriers. I am pleading with you if we have one point of contact for these people, if this person is allowed to use a restroom one time and they're away from their trafficker and they see a number that they can remember, because we're not gonna remember a 10 digit number in crisis. We're just not. And we're scared to call the police because our traffickers have told us that you'll be prosecuted for prostitution. You are part of this problem. I have videos, I have pictures of you engaging in this behavior. I, I can come up with witnesses because I'm a charismatic narcissistic liar and I can get all the evidence against you. I need, I'm too afraid to call 9 1 1. But if there is an alternate alternative where they can have that one moment to reach out for help, that may possibly get them out of that hotel room or outta the back of that truck, or off those drugs or untied from those zip ties, I'm begging that we, we make this possible for them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Basically all I would say at the end of my presentation is just that this is not going to cost us anything. We're just petitioning the federal government to be part of this with other states so that we can get those numbers released. It could take us a few years to make this happen, but we're hoping just to start the process today. And with that, we're open to any questions.

Yeah, I I appreciate those that have shared their testimony with us. And I know that this is a real problem. I look at this bill and I'm questioning, it seems to me like this bill is soft pedaling the issue at hand. Um, really doesn't have teeth in it. And I'm wondering why do we need it? Because we're talking the attorney general May, and so we're just soft pedaling it. I have a problem with that. If legislation is gonna give us direction in that, we should have more assertive language here because he can do that already. He can send a letter if this is in his wheelhouse, to prosecute and chase them. Help me with this bill. Feel more comfortable.

Thank, thank you. I don't see anything directly saying it's a feel good bill because it doesn't have teeth to it. So actually, uh, we've worked a lot with the ag on this and that language in there had to be approved like three different times by the ag. They said that they did need us to direct to do that. And so we did. And they are working with DHHS because DHHS has already been through the process with the suicide hotline number. Um, and the may part at the bottom where it's, if the, if we do get the number, they may do these things. Um, they did not want that to have a, uh, be a mandated yet until they knew that we actually got the number. So it was like, here's the plan if we get the number kind of a thing. And so that's why it was listed at the bottom as of May. But doing the process and getting it done by a certain time, that is a you must do that. And so that was how they wanted it worded at the ags office when we were working with them on it. And we had a series of meetings with them about five to six different meetings to make sure that we got the language, how they would be, uh, they would approve. And so that was their, their approved language and it will make it happen. They've already been having talks DHHS and Ag office, they are planning on doing this. Should this bill pass?

Yeah, I just see it different. 'cause we're not commanding it all. We're just saying may, if it's convenient, you may do this. I would much rather see it stronger.

Sure. I appreciate that. At the end it's the may parts at the beginning, it's the shall part that they do have to do the application process, which is the most important thing to start it out.

Thank You Mr. Chair. Um, first of all, I'd like to say also give my apologies for what has happened, what happened here in Utah to the two witnesses. I mean, it's such terrible, um, situations that we know is still happening to young women and, and, and young men as well. Um, and it's terrible, uh, to think, you know, that isn't there more that we can do? And I, I share Senator Winton's thoughts here. Um, I would like to see an appropriation. I would like to see programs. I would like to see more for our survivors, and I would like to see more programs for prevention. I and I, I have been in contact with the ags office as well, and they say we can, we can continue, we could do it on our own. Um, we don't actually need this bill to, um, to, to write that letter, which is great because they should do it. Um, and I, I know that there, the phone number, the 10 digit phone number is, is a lot. Um, I also know that there's texts that are a little bit easier too. Um, and I also know, like I, I don't really know if I know the difference between 4 1 1 2, 1, 1 8, 1 1 and, and all those other one ones. And I don't know if this is gonna be a 7 1 1 or whatever. One, one. So I, and I'm not saying it's, it's a bad thing. I, I just want to see more, right? Mm-hmm. Because I think that we just need so much more, um, there, it's such a big need here. So thank you.

So Randy Elliot, a previous Davis County commissioner speaking on just my behalf self. And this is a little bit more harder because I know most of you and I know most people in the audience, but, um, having been a victim myself of, it's hard having been a victim myself and having three older siblings, sisters that were by the same victim. Um, and when that memory came back when I was 30 years old, having a simple number to call would've been very much, would've been great to have. Um, being that, um, you know, you don't know where to go, where to turn. You don't wanna call 9 1 1 because that's kind of traumatic. That's like for now emergencies. Um, and I won't talk much about the case because the ags office is prosecuting, they are going after that particular person. That individual, the statute of limitations didn't run out on me, but they did run out on my siblings. But they're working through that case now. And this would be just a simple number to call for those that might need some assistance or knowledge in what to do next when those memories come back and you know how to help and process those things. But Senator Vickers, thank you for the time and thank you for your friendship. And, and, um, love Ron. Sorry. He's, we work together as commissioners, so we love him. And Ann, thank you.

Um, I'm Phyllis Kimmel. I'm representing the Worldwide Organization for women. A three digit number would be much easier to remember than a 10 digit number. Um, I understand the concerns you would like to have more teeth in this bill, but I think it is a step in the right direction to do something about this problem. Thank you

Gail Ika with Utah Eagle Forum and we certainly support this bill and anything else that we can do to, to help in any way to stop this terrible trafficking, I can definitely see how and why this, uh, this number would be would work. And so I just ask you to please vote yes on this bill.

Thank you. Next. Alright. My name is James Brown. I host a national television show that focuses on aging seniors. And this has really become a critical issue with seniors. As you know, uh, Savannah's Guthrie's mother has been, uh, taken away somehow. But, uh, I find that this is a real big issue. And one of the things we need to do in our system is simplify the process of people getting the right information or transferring the right information. And I think the work that's being done to make this number relevant in our community is important to us. I think it's, th i I came up with three words that this number will have impact on first C, second speak, third save. So when you give this number, when they have these three numbers, it will allow people to see the, the trafficking issue, to speak about the trafficking issue and save the people who are subject to this issue. So I would suggest and recommend and pray that we all come together to make this happen, so that we can make a difference in our community. We want our kids to grow up safely. We want our seniors to grow up safely. We all want to be safe. And it is no dividing line, this person, that person. It's all about a collective endeavor to make our community a better place. So thank you. And vote well, my friends.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Am I good? Yes, You're good. Go ahead. Well, that's the first time I've heard that. Anyway, um, I'm speaking in support of House Bill four 11. I think, um, representing Peck and her team have done a great job. Um, a few times it, it's come up about the ags office office. I think the ags gonna be on this, but this would help the ag and his team. And I've also heard about, um, why not just call 9 1 1? Um, that is a good last option. Uh, most 9 1 1 systems are overwhelmed. And, um, we, it's been proven that when there's other hotlines, whether it's 9, 8, 8, which your body, um, created and, um, safe ut which I've been a part of with representing Sison and Senator Thatcher since, um, 2 20 20, um, all these extra resources help sometimes as, uh, firefighters and EMS workers, we, we go on a 9 1 1 call. And, um, when we arrive, it is what we got dispatched for. Other times, it's not anything like we were dispatched for. We, we see things that we didn't wanna see or weren't expecting. And, um, sometimes one of us has to pull family members away and say, this isn't why we're here. And a lot of times it has to do with abuse, domestic or otherwise. And, um, once you, we dig into it a little bit, we find out these people are afraid or they just do not know how to, other than calling 9 1 1, which scares them, um, they could use a more direct, um, resource. And I think this would be good. And so I and the professional firefighters support this, um, project. So thank you.

I think this is a really important thing and uh, I would make the motion that we recommend this to the Senate floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. You know, um, I sit in a lot of committee hearings and we have lots of people that come up and speak to us. And I started out as a no because I think that this can happen without this vote, but it's important to listen to all the people that come up to speak to us and to believe them. 'cause sometimes I see that not happening here up at the Capitol. So I'm going to listen to the people that came up here. I'm gonna listen to the people that took time out of their day. I'm gonna listen to the people that are most aware of this situation and believe them. So that's why I'm voting. Yes.

Thank you. I just am dedicated to this issue. Um, there's a lot of vulnerable people that have shared a lot of things today and I appreciate you, you listening to them. Um, and I promise to keep working on this issue to make sure that it's done right for them. Thank you. Thank you. Go

I'll waive. Okay. All in favor.

Madam Reading Clerk First substitute House Bill four 11 Human trafficking hotline amendments by Representative Peck. This bill was heard in transportation with the voter 9 0 3

Thank you Mr. Speaker. HB four 11 aims to petition the FCC and the federal government to create a three digit hotline number so that we can better protect people who are trafficked. So I don't know if you're like me, but when you're at the airport and you see those signs, they all have different numbers on them. I've tried to memorize them. The truth is we just don't memorize numbers well anymore. And there are multiple people who are having lots of different telephone numbers, which makes it even harder as they're trying to counter our trafficking problem. And when we're talking about trafficking, I'm talking about sex trafficking, but also labor trafficking that affects so many people. Some of the numbers are that we right now receive according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 113,500 reports of possible sex trafficking. That is up 325% from 2024. So it's growing at a rapid rate. And there are estimates from the US Department of Health and Human Services as well as the University of Pennsylvania study that the more accurate numbers are in the ballpark of 300,000. So basically I have worked with the ags office, I've worked with DHHS, we've worked with DCFS as well, trying to come up with the proper way to petition the FCC. We've got somebody, uh, one of our congressmen in DC that's going to also be working on that side of things. There are multiple states that are also doing legislation like this so that we can all be petitioning at the same time in order to get a three digit code released from the federal government to protect children from trafficking. And with that, I'm open to any questions.

Thank you Mr. President. This wonderful idea. Actually you can trace back to my guest right here. Um, this would create a human trafficking hotline. Currently the National Human Trafficking Hotline is accessible through a 10 digit number and there is no dedicated three digit dialing code like 9 1 1 or 9 8 8 that provides simplified access. So House Bill four 11 and, and acts a news section of Utah Code directing the Attorney General to pursue federal action to explore creating a three digit access code for the National Human Trafficking hotline. We know that we have, um, partners in Congress ready to go. Uh, HB four 11 does not create a new hotline. It seeks to simplify access to the existing national human trafficking hotline. And the implementation only occurs if the FCC approves the requests because in a crisis people don't have time to Google for help. They need one number to remember. And this bill matters beyond Utah because it offers a clear, scalable solution to a national problem. Human trafficking and abuse do not stop at state lines and neither should access to help. A simple three digit number creates consistency, awareness, and trust no matter where someone lives because abuse doesn't have a zip code and help, shouldn't either. And with that, I conclude my presentation.

Mr. President. Uh, some questions for the sponsor. Will she yield? Senator Balderree? Will you yield?

I will. Senator Fillmore.

Thank you. I If you see some that you believe might be a victim of human trafficking, 'cause you know they have signs like that at the airport and you call 9 1 1, we'll help arrive. Senator Balderree?

Uh, yes. Okay.

Will, if you call some new number will help also arrive Senator Balderree, The three digit number?

Yes. Okay. Um, I, I believe that we had a bill, or maybe it was here that we had, um, we're talking about how the current 9 1 1 is abused and used for things other than emergency situations. And, um, there's also a chilling effect. Uh, when people don't wanna talk about their situation with a firefighter or a police officer, they want to talk to someone who knows how to handle abuse and trafficking.

So if you call the new number, is it different help that would arrive? Senator Balderree?

It goes to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Okay, but who arrives? Right? I see someone, they're in my neighborhood. I think they might be a victim of human trafficking. If I call nine one one or I call this new number, who arrives in each of those scenarios? Is it different people?

So the hotline number determines who to send the who, who to whom to send. Alright,

Let me suggest Mr. President, this is not the right solution. If I see an emergency and someone who is in need of law enforcement help quickly, it sounds like the quickest way to get that person help is to call nine one one. If I call a national hotline that somebody answers in Washington DC and tell them what's going on, what will that national hotline do? They'll call Utah's nine one one. Uh, and, and dispatch law enforcement. I just think that we have added an extra step when time would be more critical. And secondly to that, I think 9 1 1 is universally known. You know, every child learns it from the time that they're even before school and all through school. Everybody knows if you see an emergency, you need help. You dial 9 1 1. Uh, and that's what sends help having some other number. It's like, oh, what kind of help is this? Is the, do I need to dial 9 1 1 or this other new number? I think that this will actually hurt what it's trying to help. And I'd encourage the body to oppose

Thank you. Uh, respectfully, I would, uh, oppose the comments of the, the former or from the last Senator Vickers, uh, words and say that people in these situ situations will not seek out help from law enforcement. They are afraid and they will absolutely not go to them. That is why this number exists already locally. This makes it a number that is easy to remember. How many of you in here know your own parents, spouses or children's phone numbers? I used to have mine all memorized when I was younger. Now we can't even remember the phone numbers of our children. We need a number that is quick, accessible and memorable. And we need our victims to be able to go to a place that they feel safe. They will not go and involve the police. If they did, they would be doing it right now. And for that reason, I urge you to support this bill.

And with that I move that uh, house bill First substitute house Bill four 11 pass.