New Law Targets Human Trafficking

A new law is requiring many Illinois businesses to post information about a human trafficking hotline in an attempt to curb what officials call ``modern-day slavery.'' The Illinois Department of Human Services says it's working with the state labor department and the attorney general's office to raise awareness of the problem. Under the law that took effect Jan. 1, businesses ranging from bars to truck stops to job recruitment centers must post the number for the National Human-Trafficking Resource Center hotline near a public entrance or other location where employees will see it. Businesses that don't comply could be fined. IDHS Secretary-designate James Dimas says human trafficking exploits people for forced labor or sex _ or both. He says the law is aimed at helping victims get to safety.