JONESBORO, Ark. – In an effort to curb human trafficking, an Arkansas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would reward truck drivers who report trafficking incidents with a free lifetime hunting and fishing license.
State Representative Steven Unger (R-District 19) proposed the legislation on Monday, Dec. 9. The bill specifically targets CDL drivers residing in Arkansas, offering them the incentive if their tip directly leads to the rescue of a trafficking victim or the arrest of a trafficker.
“Anything we can do to make a dent in human trafficking is a good thing,” said Rep. Unger, who has been an advocate for the cause since 2016 through his volunteer work with the National Child Protection Task Force.
Truck Stops: A Trafficking Battleground
Unger’s involvement with the task force exposed him to the alarming prevalence of human trafficking at truck stops, often used as hubs for street-level prostitution.
“I work with them, and I found out that truck stops are sort of the battleground for streetwalker prostitution,” he explained.
The bill aims to leverage the unique position of truck drivers, who frequently travel through these areas and can serve as vigilant observers on the road.
Overwhelming Support
The proposal has garnered widespread support from lawmakers, including incoming Speaker of the House Brian Evans. According to Unger, the financial impact of the incentive on state resources is minimal, estimated at approximately $1,000 per license.
“When I presented this to Brian, he said very plainly, ‘What is a human life worth?’” Unger recalled.
Fighting Modern-Day Slavery
Unger’s commitment to the issue is deeply rooted in his passion for justice and faith-based principles.
“It’s basically modern-day slavery,” he said. “It flies under the radar, and a lot of people are not aware of this at all, so anything we can do to fight the good fight is doing Kingdom of God work.”
Next Steps
While the timeline for the bill’s passage remains uncertain, Unger anticipates it will be a priority in the upcoming legislative session.
If passed, this legislation could serve as a model for other states, demonstrating how targeted incentives can engage everyday citizens in the fight against human trafficking.
Stay tuned for updates as the bill progresses through the Arkansas legislature.
