Leadbeter Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Further Combat Human Trafficking
HARRISBURG – Continuing his efforts in protecting Columbia County families, State Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) announced he is a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation to fight against the horrors and evils associated with human trafficking.
During a press conference Tuesday in Essington, Leadbeter joined local and state officials, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, and other advocacy groups to announce their support of
House Bill 1286. This measure would require training for lodging and hospitality employees to help them recognize the signs of human trafficking and report it to law enforcement.
With Pennsylvania serving as the epicenter of major events in 2026, such as the World Cup and America’s 250th birthday, there is a greater emphasis to implement these policies sooner rather than later.
“We have an issue in the Commonwealth that is not specific to geography or a neighborhood,” said Leadbeter. “We must come together to fight against sex crimes and push back against human trafficking. Awareness of this terrible epidemic will only benefit us as a society, and it is our responsibility to say something if we see something.”
This latest effort comes after the House unanimously passed his legislation to allow the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities to partner with nonprofit organizations to provide first-year students with an opportunity to attend a series of in-depth prevention and education programs regarding sex trafficking and exploitation. This would begin in the 2027-28 school year, and program materials would be provided at no cost to students.
House Bill 538 is currently in the Senate for consideration.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 676 victims of human trafficking in the Commonwealth across 287 cases in 2024. Out of the identified cases, 165 of them were classified as sex trafficking.
Since its inception in 2007, the Human Trafficking Hotline identified 2,595 cases of human trafficking and nearly 5,500 victims.
According to a 2024 report by the International Labour Organization, forced labor generates $236 billion in illegal profits every year. The total amount of illegal profits increased by $64 billion since 2014.
“No matter what function you hold within your community, we all have an opportunity to lift our communities up and out of this type of behavior and address when it is happening within them,” said Leadbeter. “I’m grateful to work in a bipartisan manner so we can protect Columbia County families from falling victim to this evil within our nation.”
House Bill 1286 has been referred to the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee.
Representative Robert Leadbeter
109th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com
RepLeadbeter.com