Joint Resolution Supporting New Methods to Combat Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence

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Joint Resolution Supporting New Methods to Combat Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Jon Hawkins
Senate Sponsor:
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This resolution expresses support for new innovations and technology to combat human
trafficking and domestic violence.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution:
recognizes the serious issues of human trafficking and domestic violence in the nation
and in Utah;
recognizes that transportation hubs play a major role in human trafficking and domestic
violence;
recognizes that new innovations and technology can help human trafficking and domestic
violence victims request assistance; and
expresses Utah's support for the advancement of new innovations and technology to
combat human trafficking and domestic violence.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
WHEREAS, human trafficking and domestic violence are increasingly serious problems
affecting numerous adults and children in the nation and in Utah;
WHEREAS, in 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received more than 8,000
contacts from trafficking victims, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
received over 26,000 reports of child sex trafficking;
WHEREAS, between 2020 and 2024, Utah agencies reported and prosecuted hundreds of
human trafficking cases, identifying 91 child sex trafficking victims;
WHEREAS, multiple sources have found that traffickers often target individuals at
transportation hubs such as bus and train stations, or pass through these hubs when
transporting victims;
WHEREAS, the National Network to End Domestic Violence found that 59 million women
nationwide and over 30% of women in Utah have experienced
sexual violence, physical
violence, or stalking in their lifetime;
WHEREAS, domestic violence can be lethal, as the Statewide Information and Analysis
Center recorded 52 domestic violence homicides between July 2023 and January 2025 in Utah;
WHEREAS, domestic violence abusers may limit their victims' access to methods of
communication and personal vehicles;
WHEREAS, isolation and fear can prevent a victim of human trafficking or domestic
violence from asking for help or notifying law enforcement;
WHEREAS, new innovations and technology, such as the use of rescue tracking equipment
placed in public restrooms at transportation hubs, can help human trafficking and domestic
violence victims discreetly request assistance and allow law enforcement to locate them; and
WHEREAS, Utah seeks to foster the development and use of new technology to help
mitigate harm from human trafficking and domestic violence in our state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah declares
state support for the advancement of new innovations and technology to combat human
trafficking and domestic violence.
1-23-26 9:45 AM