HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4614

HR 4614

ByRepresentatives Zahn, Leavitt, Simmons, Callan, Thai, Walen, Ryu, Berg, Parshley, Fosse, Burnett, Duerr, Nance, and Macri

WHEREAS, Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, provide, or obtain a person for the purposes of labor or sexual exploitation; and

WHEREAS, Human trafficking is also a significant public health and human rights issue, inflicting trauma on individuals, families, and communities while undermining safety, dignity, and fundamental freedoms; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Homeland Security estimates tens of millions of people worldwide are subjected to modern day slavery, with cases occurring across Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Vulnerable populations—including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, survivors of abuse, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and Black, Indigenous, and communities of color, including individuals born outside the United States, regardless of immigration status—are at increased risk of trafficking and exploitation; and

WHEREAS, The ongoing exploitation and trafficking of people is deeply rooted in the legacy of colonization and slavery, systems that historically commodified and oppressed human beings, particularly people of African descent, Indigenous people, and other marginalized communities, and continue to perpetuate inequality, vulnerability, and the exploitation of individuals to this day; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness and education are essential to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and ensuring justice for those affected; and

WHEREAS, Every year since 2010, the President of the United States has designated the month of January as "National Human Trafficking Prevention Month" to bring attention to this critical issue;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and reaffirm its commitment to eradicating human trafficking through education, policy, and community engagement.