Latest news with #HouseBill1416
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Illinois Gaming Board's new rules on human trafficking and casinos
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has created new rules for casinos across Illinois to combat human trafficking. The new rules put into place will now require casinos statewide to conduct mandatory human trafficking recognition training, develop, document, and implement human trafficking training and reporting procedures. Once these procedures are put in place, they will provide a report to the IGB. The new rules will also require casinos to post human trafficking awareness notices. The notices will be posted in bathrooms, near public entrances, and in other visible locations. The notices will include hotline contact numbers and other important information like where to seek help or report instances of trafficking. 'Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,' said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. 'By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training, and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.' The new rules were implemented after approval from the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on May 2. These rules will require employees of the casinos to take the training within three months of beginning employment. The training will cover topics such as things that might make an individual more susceptible, the different types, red flags to look for, and agencies to contact on human trafficking. 'Human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes,' said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. 'Because human trafficking can come in many forms and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to train people working in industries targeted by human traffickers to recognize the signs so they can report the crimes and help save lives.' The full wording of the new rules can be viewed here. While the Indiana Gaming Board has no such rules for its casinos, House Bill 1416 was just passed on May 6 requiring safety rest areas, gas stations, and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness information, and permits massage establishments to display human trafficking awareness information. 'This bill is a great first step in curbing human trafficking in our state. … If having these posters on display in our gas stations and rest areas can save just one life, it's worth it,' said Rep. John Barlett (D-Indianapolis). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Final day of the 2025 legislative session
The 2025 legislative session is coming to an end, and the Indiana Capital Chronicle team will be chronicling its last day here. (Getty Images) The 2025 legislative session is coming to an end (hopefully within the next 24 hours!), and the Indiana Capital Chronicle team will be bringing you everything from the final day here. 39 mins ago 39 mins ago As the legislative session enters its final hours, tweaks and overhauls alike are coming rapid-fire. Indiana's retired public employees are likely to nab pension bonuses intended to boost benefits that don't otherwise keep up with inflation — but with a 5% cut — under a final draft for House Bill 1221. That's after a finance-focused Senate committee cut the 13th check and 1% cost-of-living-adjustment entirely. House lawmakers, however, sought years of bonuses. Elsewhere, several contentious provisions were dropped from less-controversial underlying legislation. But some authors are hoping to re-home them. It appears a ban on sleeping or sheltering on public property has been removed from Senate Bill 197, prompting rumors it would be inserted into legislation dealing with juvenile justice. But the final version of that bill is still outstanding. Another prohibition, this one on government-supported 'obscene performances,' wasn't in a conference committee report filed on Senate Bill 326. But that report was quickly withdrawn and is still in flux. Asked where the language might go, Rep. Andrew Ireland, R-Indianapolis, told the Capital Chronicle, 'I don't know any better than anyone else.' And detailed language cracking down on illicit massage parlors was cut from the negotiated draft of House Bill 1416, which would require human trafficking awareness posters in gas stations and rest stops. Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, repeatedly called it too 'prescriptive.' Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, authored the language after law enforcement raided parlors in his district. He told the Capital Chronicle that he aims to find a new place for a recast version that offers local governments greater decision-making powers. Last updated: 9:05 AM
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illicit massage parlor language added to weakened Indiana anti-human trafficking proposal
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, leads a committee meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A testy Indiana senator on Monday repeatedly reminded committee members and witnesses alike of the 'realities' of working at the Statehouse — after he significantly weakened a human trafficking awareness proposal. Detailed language cracking down on illegal massage parlors was also added, but could see further amendments. 'I get (that) you want all of it,' Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis said. 'Understand (that) … a lot of businesses and their associations have come to see me and explain to me why this isn't workable, and I'm trying to find a solution to keep it moving.' Later, he told a witness, 'There are realities, and there are things that are required to get bills to move.' The National Human Trafficking Hotline, which operates 24/7 and in more than 200 languages, is at 1-888-373-7888. Suspected trafficking can also be reported. House Bill 1416 originally ordered state-run rest stops and private gas stations to display posters describing human trafficking, outlining indicators, and providing contract information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and a local law enforcement agency. Other provisions would've required restaurants and hotels to post similar written notices for employees to see and provide staff with state-approved awareness training. Freeman's amendment made gas station posters optional and deleted the training mandates — to the distaste of some committee members. It was accepted on a 6-3 vote. Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, noted that many Hoosier establishments already voluntarily post awareness materials. She added that 'when industry takes care of these issues,' a mandate isn't necessary. Democrats and a lone Republican disagreed. 'I think one sheet of paper isn't going to break the bank for the gas stations … and if it saves one human life, I think it's more than worth it,' said Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange. Freeman, meanwhile, told his committee that most days, he leaves the Statehouse frustrated. 'This building is the most exhilarating place to work, and it is the most mind-numbingly frustrating place to work, all on the same day. This building is about what's possible, and this is what's possible — today, anyway,' he concluded. Freeman also allowed a colleague to call an amendment cracking down on illegal massage businesses — just two weeks after five women were arrested on prosecution-related charges at three Michigan City parlors, WNDU-TV reported. 'My law enforcement community back home asked me to do something. They're frustrated, my mayors are frustrated, and they feel this is the best, easiest, most non-intrusive way to do it,' Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, said. He said current law only allows for pricey stings. His amendment initially extended the poster requirements to massage parlors. It also blocks massage parlor advertisements from websites that also accept promotions for prostitution, escort and sexual services. Another addition bars 'sexual conduct' and condoms at the parlors, and prohibits people from making arrangements there for sex elsewhere. Employees would have to be fully clothed in opaque materials that don't expose female nipples or show 'covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.' Parlors would have to display photographs of their employees, accompanied by any massage therapist license numbers, in the reception area — and windows into reception areas couldn't be more than half-blocked. Other provisions ban parlors from housing any people, introduce detailed record-keeping requirements, let law enforcement officers inspect reception areas for compliance and allow for license suspensions. Freeman asked if Bohacek would agree to changing 'shall' provisions within the package of changes to 'may' provisions. 'I cannot imagine a single illicit massage parlor that would ever do this,' Bohacek said, prompting Freeman to remark, 'I've tried for 20 minutes to avoid saying what I'm about to say. I've tried to find some way to move this bill … I continue to try.' Freeman later threatened to hold the legislation from a vote, calling it a 'challenge.' Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, said he 'can't understand what the challenge would be to protect people from human trafficking.' CONTACT US The committee agreed to make the amendment's poster mandate voluntary, then adopted it on a 7-1 vote. Witnesses representing survivors' groups said they preferred the posters to be mandatory, while lobbyists for restaurants, hotels and convenience stores thanked lawmakers for the edits. 'One out of 100 trafficking victims survive,' said Evyn Wimer, an advocate working with Raindrops Rising Foundation. 'How many more might make it out if they knew that they had a choice, if they saw a flyer in a bathroom stall and memorized a phone number?' The legislation heads to the Senate floor after a unanimous, 9-0 vote — despite grumbling. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA lawmakers light up plan for cigarette tax hike
(Photo by) Increasing taxes on cigarettes, cigars and vapor products could be on the buffet of revenue-raising options Washington lawmakers consider to erase a looming budget shortfall. Legislation discussed in the House Finance Committee on Thursday would boost taxes on an array of tobacco products to generate $23.1 million for the general fund in the next two-year budget. While it will cover only a sliver of the projected $6 billion gap, the dollars would help pay health care and societal costs linked to the effects of smoking and vaping, the bill's sponsor told the committee. 'I feel very strongly that those who are most prone to utilize this product should be the people paying for the impacts of this product,' said Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way. Reeves shared that her mother started smoking menthol cigarettes at age 9, eventually becoming a three-pack-a-day smoker. She died of lung cancer when she was 60. Her nicotine habit, Reeves said, led to other addictions including substance misuse and alcohol abuse. Reeves said she's had a 'lifetime struggle' with asthma from her exposure to secondhand smoke. The bill is about 'ensuring accountability' and taxing tobacco products at a rate 'that is going to bring value to the community for those who are most impacted.' Students from Lake Washington High School urged the committee to back the legislation. 'I've seen peers struggle with nicotine addiction before they even turn 18. I've watched students hide in restrooms and sneak out during class because of this compelling dependence,' said Liana Khachatouriansoradehi. 'By passing House Bill 1416 you are choosing to help my friends, smokers or not, by taking a step in protecting us against addiction and investing in healthier futures.' Representatives of the Association of Washington Business, Washington Retail Association, Cigar Association of America and Washington Food Industry Association voiced opposition. They said higher taxes will push up product prices, leading to fewer sales and less income for small business owners. Some argued it could lead individuals to cross into neighboring states to make purchases. 'We understand the desperate need to get revenue this year. Unfortunately, we don't think this is the right answer,' said Katie Beeson of the Washington Food Industry Association. 'We know that tobacco tax increases actually result in a direct decline in sales which will have an impact on your smallest local retailers.' With the budget shortfall looming, Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate are batting around many ideas for raising enough revenue to avoid deep cuts to programs and services. Republican lawmakers say they soon expect to see proposals for a 'wealth tax' on intangible assets like bonds and stocks, a payroll tax imposed on companies with many workers earning high wages and surcharge on business taxes paid by the state's largest corporations. Democrats have floated these tax options but have not yet put them forward in bills. Taxing tobacco products is one of the smallest generators of new dollars now under discussion. The legislation would increase the tax on a single cigarette by one-and-a-half cents. That would raise the tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes by 30 cents to $3.33. The typical price of a single pack runs a little more than $10, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill. The levy on cigars would rise seven cents to a maximum of 72 cents apiece. Little cigars would be taxed one-and-a-half cents more, bringing the total to nearly 17 cents apiece. For smokeless tobacco, also known as moist snuff, the tax on a consumer-sized can or package weighing 1.2 oz or less would go up a quarter to $2.78 and by 21 cents to $2.31 on larger size cans. Vapor products, such as electronic cigarettes and cigars, are subject to sales and use taxes and an additional tax tied to the amount of liquid nicotine or consumable solution. As proposed, the tax on containers of 5 milliliters or more would go up a penny to 10 cents per milliliter. For all other vapor products, the tax would be 30 cents per milliliter of liquid or solution, a three-cent bump. If the bill is enacted, proposed increases would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
