(The Center Square) — A legislative task force is finalizing recommendations for lawmakers to track better human trafficking in Louisiana, which produces far more victims than arrests.
Members of the Task Force on Human Trafficking Arrests on Wednesday discussed possible ways to understand better the disconnect between the high numbers of human trafficking victims who seek help and the comparatively low numbers of arrests and convictions for human trafficking offenses.
The task force’s work stems from a resolution by Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, approved last session that requires a report to lawmakers with recommendations or proposed legislation to address the issue.
Task force members on Wednesday discussed the need to understand better what happens to children and others identified as human trafficking victims through screening tools used by the Department of Children and Family Services and other groups.
Officials explained a state law that took effect on Jan. 1, 2023 requires all suspected or potential child victims of human trafficking to be referred to the Louisiana State Police, which distributes the cases to a handful of special victims units in the state.