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››Governor Glenn Youngkin | Governor.Virginia.gov

Governor Glenn Youngkin | Governor.Virginia.gov

By Ronald P. Linkous
June 8, 2022
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Governor Glenn Youngkin solemnly signs legislation to combat human trafficking in the Patrick Henry Building on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

RICHMOND, Virginia – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin solemnly signed seven bills into law that deliver on the Governor’s commitment to enact legislation to combat human trafficking in the Commonwealth and empower survivors. Following the bill signing ceremony, Secretary Kay Coles James presided over the swearing-in ceremony for the Commission on Preventing Human Trafficking and Supporting Survivors.

“Today’s first meeting of the Human Trafficking Commission and the signing of these bills are important milestones in the Commonwealth’s mission to combat human trafficking in Virginia. We have come together today to demonstrate the continued collaboration and commitment of this Administration, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the General Assembly, localities, and Virginians to eradicate human trafficking in Virginia.” , said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We know what we do here will have a ripple effect on trafficking across the country.”

“Because of Governor Youngkin and the administration, the Attorney General, and the General Assembly, Virginia will be better able to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking and provide them with opportunities for a new departure. It will take all of us working together to continue this effort,” said Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.

“Human trafficking is one of the most heinous and widespread crimes of the 21st century. In addition to rehabilitation and support for survivors, one of our main priorities is prevention. The war against human trafficking is a complicated and difficult battle, and I am convinced that these new measures will have a significant impact on the fight against human trafficking. My office looks forward to working with members of Governor Youngkin’s Commission on Human Trafficking to identify more solutions to this horrific crime.” Attorney General Jason Miyares said.

“One of the first goals that Glenn committed to when he announced his campaign was the eradication of human trafficking – a cause we have championed for years,” said First Lady Suzanne Youngkin. “Human trafficking is extremely prevalent in our Commonwealth, our nation and our world today. We are deeply grateful for the determination of every Virginian in this room to work tirelessly and collectively to combat human trafficking in our communities. Today marks the start of something very special, and we pray for this life-changing initiative.

Governor Youngkin solemnly signed seven bills into law today, including:

HB 258sponsored by delegate Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services, under the direction of the Criminal Justice Services Board, to develop an online course to train hotel owners and their employees, as defined in the bill, to recognize and to report suspected cases of human trafficking. The bill provides that these online courses will be provided free of charge to hoteliers and their employees. The bill requires every hotel owner to require qualified employees to complete such a human trafficking training course developed by the Department or another online or in-person training course approved by the Department. within six months of being hired by a hotel and thereafter at least once. every two years, as long as the employee is employed by the hotel. The bill has a deferred effective date of January 1, 2023.

HB 283sponsored by delegate Emily Brewer, R-Isle of Wight, and SB 467sponsored by Senator Jill Vogel, R-Fauquier, requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to establish training standards for law enforcement personnel regarding the recognition, prevention and reporting of human trafficking.
HB 526sponsored by Delegate Amanda Batten, R-James City County, provides that a non-Virginian student, who is currently present in the Commonwealth due to being a victim of human trafficking, as defined in the bill, is eligible for in-state tuition . The bill provides that a person can be a victim of human trafficking whether or not they have been charged or convicted of an offense and that eligibility for in-state tuition can be proven by a attestation of the status of victim of human trafficking. by a federal, state, or local agency or non-profit agency, one of whose primary missions is to provide services to victims of human trafficking. The bill also requires public institutions of higher learning to automatically register such a student as refusing to make any yearbooks or educational information available to the public, unless the student voluntarily and affirmatively chooses to authorize the making available. of this directory or educational information. .
HB 711sponsored by Delegate Mark Keam, D-Fairfax Countyprovides that an applicant for a writ of vacatur for victims of sex trafficking will not be required to pay any fees or charges for filing such an application if found to be unable to pay them.
HB 1023sponsored by Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, D-Woodbridgeenables any family life education program offered by a local school division in a secondary school to incorporate age-appropriate elements of effective, evidence-based programs on prevention, recognition and awareness of child trafficking.
HB 1334sponsored by Delegate Kathleen Murphy, D-Fairfax County, amends the definition of “abused or neglected child” to include a child who is sexually exploited or abused by an intimate partner of the parent or caregiver and allows a claim of child abuse or neglect to a child is deemed valid by a local welfare service. services (local department) in such cases. The bill allows a complaint of child abuse or neglect that alleges child trafficking to be considered valid, regardless of who the alleged abuser is or whether the alleged abuser has been identified. The bill requires a local service that receives a complaint or report of child abuse or neglect over which it does not have jurisdiction, to escalate that complaint or report to the appropriate local service if the competent local service is located in the Commonwealth.

Attorney General Jason Miyares delivers remarks in the Patrick Henry Building on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Susan Young delivers remarks in the Patrick Henry Building on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

First Lady Suzanne Youngkin delivers remarks in the Patrick Henry Building on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin

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Governor Glenn Youngkin delivers remarks prior to the signing ceremony for legislation to combat human trafficking in the Patrick Henry Building on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.

Official photo of Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

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