Assembly passes Rep. Phillips and Sen. Thompson’s bill that creates human trafficking awareness in commercial driving instruction

            STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2025-S 0523, 2025-H 5231) sponsored by Rep. Robert D. Phillips and Sen. Brian J. Thompson that would require commercial driver instruction to include industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking.

“As our society becomes more aware of the dangers of human trafficking, it is important that people are attentive to what this crime looks like and how it operates.  The trucking industry is in a unique position in that its drivers may be more exposed to human trafficking operations more so than other industries, so it makes sense to educate drivers on what to look for and how to report it to the proper authorities,” said Representative Phillips (D-Dist. 51, Woonsocket, Cumberland).

            “Human trafficking is a vile crime in our society and unfortunately, the nature of commercial driving and trucking creates an environment that is too often utilized to harm and transport the victims of human trafficking.  This is a responsible, common-sense bill that will train commercial drivers to be on the lookout for this disgusting crime and how to identify individuals in need of help and rescue,” said Senator Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland).

            The legislation states that any trade school or education program offering instruction in the operation of commercial motor vehicles, and any entity employing a certified commercial driving instructor to provide commercial driver training, to offer and include industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking.  

             The bill now heads to the governor for consideration.