Governor Pence Signs Bill Adding Human Trafficking to Department of Child Services Statute

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today signed one of his agenda items to add human trafficking to the Child In Need of Services (CHINS) code to allow the Department of Child Services (DCS) to intervene and serve children who are victims of human trafficking. SEA 305 is authored by Sen. Randy Head (R – Logansport) and Sen. Patricia Miller (R – Indianapolis).

“The criminal enterprise of human trafficking takes advantage of victims who are often vulnerable kids,” said Governor Pence. “I’m pleased to sign Senate Enrolled Act 305 into law which will allow the Indiana Department of Child Services to intervene on behalf of victims and provide valuable services as we seek to protect Hoosiers from this grievous crime.”

The Governor also signed the following bills into law regarding law enforcement procedures.

• HEA 1019 – This act, authored by Rep. Kevin Mahan (R – Hartford City), establishes a procedure for the release of law enforcement recordings under the Public Records Law.
• SEA 357  – This bill, authored by Sen. Carlin Yoder (R – Middlebury), Sen. Randy Head (R – Logansport) and Sen. Brent Steele (R – Bedford) defines child abuse and requires the Division of State Court Administration to create a registry of individuals convicted of a crime of child abuse.

To follow legislation as it reaches the Governor’s desk, visit http://in.gov/gov/2016billwatch.htm