(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Debra Moody (R-Covington) has introduced an initiative that enhances identity protections for Tennessee’s human trafficking victims.
House Bill 1849 protects the records of trafficking victims who seek treatment from additional service providers during their recovery process.
While records are currently confidential for patients who are treated in hospitals, this initiative protects those who are treated at domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, as well as human trafficking service providers.
In Tennessee, approximately 94 teenagers fall victim to human trafficking each month. However, the state has some of the toughest laws against this type of crime in the entire country.
According to Shared Hope International, our state ranks first among all 50 states for legislation that combats human trafficking. Much of that success can be traced to the steady work of local lawmakers — including Representative Moody — who have given a voice to human trafficking victims in the Tennessee General Assembly.
In fact, Moody’s formidable efforts in recent years have earned her appointments to the Human Trafficking Advisory Council by Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell.
“Victims of this appalling crime not only endure an extraordinary amount of physical abuse, but they also suffer considerable emotional trauma and psychological pain,” said Representative Moody. “It is important for us to protect them from further harm and support their recovery efforts so that they can restore some sense of normalcy in their daily lives.”
House Bill 1849 is expected to be heard by members of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Debra Moody serves as Vice Chair of the House Civil Justice Committee. She is also a member of the House Education Administration & Planning Committee, as well as the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. Moody lives in Covington and represents House District 81, which includes Tipton County. She can be reached by email at: Rep.Debra.Moody@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-3774.
