Today with unanimous bipartisan support, the Senate passed legislation that seeks to curb human trafficking in Minnesota. The bill, authored by Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville), comes in response to cases of massage parlors in Waite Park that appear as legitimate businesses, but have been involved in cases of human trafficking.

Current Minnesota law authorizes cities and counties to conduct a background check that includes records within the state. This bill would expand that authorization by allowing cities and counties to conduct background checks that include the national database for applications for a license to operate an adult entertainment establishment or a license to provide massage services. 

“This is a simple bill with bipartisan support because it’s one positive step we can take to combat human trafficking happening in our state,” said Howe. “In passing this bill, we are giving local police the ability to do more extensive federal background checks, allowing them to gather all the information they need to keep our communities safe and our residents protected.”