Illinois Lawmakers Advance Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Fight Against Human Trafficking

In a united effort to combat human trafficking, Illinois lawmakers are advancing a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen victim support, expand training for frontline workers, and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Senate Bill 2323, which recently passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee, is the result of recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group, a coalition formed in 2023 to assess the state’s trafficking response. According to Senator Julie Morrison’s office, the bill focuses on providing comprehensive support to survivors while ensuring that traffickers are held accountable. It also aims to prevent trafficking through better awareness and intervention strategies.

“This bill is about giving survivors the resources they need to heal while ensuring our state has the tools to prevent human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice,” Morrison said in a press release.

Human trafficking remains a widespread problem, affecting thousands across the country each year. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, more than 10,000 cases were reported in 2021, involving over 16,500 victims. The majority—71%—were related to sex trafficking, while 10% involved forced labor.

Globally, the International Labour Organization estimates that 27.6 million people are currently victims of trafficking, with 77% forced into labor and 23% subjected to commercial sexual exploitation, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The industry generates an estimated $150 billion annually, making it one of the world’s most lucrative criminal enterprises.

Children are particularly vulnerable. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports that one in six runaways reported in 2022 were likely victims of trafficking.

The proposed legislation takes a multi-faceted approach, focusing on both victim assistance and law enforcement improvements.

A major component of the bill is expanding the role of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in leading trafficking prevention efforts. According to DCFS, the department will oversee victim support programs, particularly for youth in foster care, a group at higher risk of being exploited.

In addition to victim support, the bill mandates expanded training for professionals across multiple sectors. According to Senator Morrison’s office, individuals working in child welfare, juvenile justice, human services, and corrections will receive specialized education on how to identify trafficking victims and respond appropriately. Law enforcement agencies will also improve their screening processes to recognize and assist those at risk.

To strengthen investigations, the bill calls for the creation of multidisciplinary law enforcement teams dedicated to trafficking cases. These task forces, working across different jurisdictions, will help ensure that cases are pursued more effectively and that traffickers are prosecuted aggressively.

Another critical provision is the removal of the 25-year statute of limitations for survivors to file lawsuits against their traffickers. According to Capitol News Illinois, this change acknowledges that many survivors need decades to process their trauma before seeking justice, making it essential to eliminate time restrictions that could prevent them from holding perpetrators accountable.

Alongside the legislative measures, Illinois continues to rely on the Human Trafficking Task Force, which is housed within DCFS. The Task Force is responsible for conducting statewide research on trafficking, increasing public awareness, and developing better data-sharing practices among government agencies. It also works to create policies that enhance cooperation between state agencies, non-profits, and private organizations in the fight against trafficking. The Task Force evaluates best practices for protecting victims, addressing racial disparities in missing persons cases, and improving law enforcement training on trafficking-related issues.

Supporters of the bill emphasize that addressing human trafficking requires a collaborative approach. According to Senator Morrison’s office, this legislation ensures that law enforcement, child protection agencies, and survivor advocates are better equipped to tackle trafficking in Illinois.

“Human trafficking is a crime that preys on the vulnerable,” Morrison said. “We must do everything in our power to protect survivors, prevent exploitation, and bring traffickers to justice.”

With bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2323 is now advancing to the full Senate for further debate. If passed, it will significantly strengthen Illinois’ ability to combat human trafficking, ensuring victims receive the care they need while law enforcement has the resources to pursue traffickers effectively.