A bill to establish an office to combat human trafficking under the Department of Public Safety in Iowa has passed subcommittee in the Senate. Senator Kevin Kinney, who introduced Senate File 2082, explains the legislation would fight the issue across the state by designating officers to the task force.

Before running for office, Kinney was an investigator with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and he shares human trafficking does happen locally with the first cast prosecuted in Iowa starting in Cosgrove and being connected to Washington County. Also, the last sting he worked on with the department was in Hills.

Also, the American Association of University Women Washington Branch will host a presentation regarding human trafficking awareness on March 15th at 7 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Deputy Chad Ellis, an investigator with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and Makenzie Crull, Washington and Van Buren County coordinator for the Rape Victim Advocacy Program will speak.

For more information about the legislation listen to today’s Washington Page on KCII.