Bipartisan Fields Bill to Prevent Human Trafficking, Improve Public Safety Clears Committee

HB22-1300 will help local governments and law enforcement keep communities safe

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government Committee today approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) that seeks to help local law enforcement prevent human trafficking across Colorado. 

HB22-1300, co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), would allow a board of county commissioners to establish business licensure requirements to regulate massage facilities and deter illicit massage businesses and prevent human trafficking.

“When we kicked off our legislative session, we promised to pass policies to create safer communities, and this bill is another way we’re working to accomplish that goal,” said Fields. “Human trafficking is a serious problem that occurs far more frequently than we think it does, and we must take action to prevent it. With this bill, we’re taking an important step to protect Coloradans, especially women, from these malicious operations.” 

Cities in Colorado currently have authority to license and regulate massage businesses to curb illegal activity; counties do not, and this bill extends this power to counties. If a local government chooses to implement such regulation, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to conduct background checks on the applicant's criminal history, and licenses can be denied based on past convictions for relevant offenses, including prostitution, human trafficking, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement.

It would also allow local governments to require massage businesses to maintain records on employees and require businesses and employees to carry identification. 

The legislation comes in response to several instances of human trafficking reported across Colorado. Most recently, three massage parlor owners were indicted for coercing their employees into having sex with customers in exchange for money. 

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.