RI Senate Approves 2 Bills Targeting Human Trafficking

CRANSTON, RI — The Rhode Island Senate on Thursday approved two bills aimed at preventing and addressing human trafficking.

The bills, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Cynthia A. Coyne and Sen. Ana B. Quezada, would allow wiretaps for human trafficking investigations, require hotels to post notices about reporting human trafficking, and allow investigators to apply for a court order for intercepting communication in human trafficking cases.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that destroys the victims’ lives, and it remains a very real problem here in Rhode Island and throughout the country. Investigators need every available tool to stop traffickers, and since traffickers often work in networks, intercepting communication is very important in shutting them down and bringing them to justice,” said Coyne.

Both bills now head to the now RI House of Representatives for approval.