DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy’s measure to fight human trafficking in Illinois by requiring more training on the issue as well as creating stronger penalties was signed into law Thursday. 

Senate Bill 1890 creates the Lodging Establishment Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act, which will require hotels and motels to train their employees on how to recognize human trafficking and how to alert authorities.

“Hotels and motels have been shown to be popular locations for human trafficking,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I knew if we wanted to combat this issue head on, we had to ensure that hospitality staff were educated, aware and putting forth a conscious effort to save victims and catch traffickers.”

Murphy’s new law will also require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to provide training for police officers to detect human trafficking. It also will extend the statute of limitations for all offenses related to human trafficking to 25 years.

“I am happy to see my bill signed into law, but I don’t think we should stop here,” Murphy said. “Human trafficking is unlike any other crime; it involves the selling of humans. Everyone needs to be educated on this growing epidemic because it doesn’t just happen behind closed doors – it can be anywhere.”

Senate Bill 1890 goes into effect immediately.