State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, has filed legislation to add human trafficking awareness training to Tennessee tattoo artist licensing requirements.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, has filed legislation to add human trafficking awareness training to Tennessee tattoo artist licensing requirements.
The Ink of Hope Act, or House Bill 182, would require tattoo shop operators and artists to complete up to one hour of training on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking exists in all 95 counties across our state, and throughout our nation,” Littleton said. “As a means of control, traffickers often brand their victims with tattoos of symbols, names or phrases to mark their ownership over the person. This bill ensures that every tattoo artist in the state knows how to recognize the signs of human trafficking, and how to report the information to authorities, without intervening themselves.”
A 2022 survey of 40 U.S. anti-trafficking organizations showed 47% of survivors reported being branded or tagged with a tattoo by their trafficker.
Tattoo artists would watch a short training video from an accredited non-profit organization as parts of the state’s licensure requirements. The training will teach them to recognize signs of human trafficking and how to report it safely to authorities.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported 1,310 cases of human trafficking between 2019-2023. However, a national study showed official trafficking numbers can be as little as 14% of the potential total trafficking victims.
While states like Nebraska and Wisconsin have general awareness efforts, Tennessee would be the first state to formalize a training program.
Currently practicing tattoo artists would need to complete the training video when renewing their license. If they do not complete the training by Dec. 31, 2028, their license will become invalid.
The act also includes protections for artists, ensuring they are not held liable by the state or courts for deciding whether or not to report human trafficking.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-800-55-TNHTH or 1-800-558-6484.
Mary Littleton represents District 78 which includes Cheatham and part of Dickson Counties.
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