Bill Clears Path for Human Trafficking Awareness Signs at Highway Rest Stops, Expands Advisory Panel

This bill, titled the "Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act," focuses on using transportation networks to increase awareness about human trafficking.

First, it tackles visibility. The legislation amends existing federal transportation law (specifically, Title 49, Sec. 6702 and Title 23, Sec. 133(b)) to explicitly allow federal funds from the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) to be used for putting up human trafficking awareness signs. Think of the STBGP as a flexible funding pot states use for various road and transport projects. This change means states can now officially tap into those funds to place informational signs at rest areas and welcome centers along the Interstate System, aiming to educate the public and potentially help victims.

Second, the bill tweaks the structure of a key advisory group. It amends Section 5 of the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, which established the Department of Transportation's Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking. The committee, which advises the Secretary of Transportation on fighting trafficking, will grow from 15 to 16 members. Crucially, the new seat is designated for a representative from a state department of transportation, ensuring state-level perspectives are included. The Secretary of Transportation is required to appoint this new member within nine months after this Act becomes effective.

In short, the bill uses two main approaches: leveraging existing infrastructure (rest stops) and funding mechanisms (STBGP) for public awareness, and enhancing collaboration by bringing state transportation officials directly into the federal advisory process on combating human trafficking.