TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Oklahoma lawmakers are advancing new anti-human trafficking legislation that includes a proposal to require licensing for exotic dancers inside strip clubs, a move supporters say could add oversight and help connect victims to services.
Lawmakers say human trafficking is constantly changing and that state policies must keep pace. Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline shows Oklahoma consistently reports hundreds of trafficking cases and victims each year, involving both sex and labor trafficking.
Sen. Darrell Weaver said Oklahoma’s central location and major interstate corridors can contribute to trafficking activity by making it easier for people to move across state lines.
“So what that means is that there’s always going to be things that change. And that’s why you always have to stay on top of it because when prosecutors and law enforcement change, then then they change their tactics. So I think we’ll always be looking at policy changes to make it better for for Oklahomans,” Weaver said.
One of the proposals, House Bill 3832, would require licensing for exotic entertainers. Lawmakers say the measure could bring more oversight, even if it does not eliminate risk.
“Well, anytime you try to license or do something of that nature, you always you always have a black market, and when it comes to vice crimes, but what we do at least get a handle and trying to regulate some of that and maybe saving a young girl from maybe starting there or going from there into human trafficking.”
Advocates who work directly with survivors say trafficking often does not look like what people see in movies and frequently involves victims who know their traffickers.
Leslie Clingenpeel, CEO of The Spring, said licensing could help trained individuals identify victims and give law enforcement more ability to oversee businesses.
“Nothing is going to be the fix. Traffickers are very intentional very creative about what they do. But I believe that this would put some more protections in place and would really give again the local enforcement agencies a way to oversee this and to help get victims of services quickly more efficiently.
A second proposal, Senate Bill 1284, would add additional restrictions, including age-related policy changes that are still being debated.
Clingenpeel said identifying a victim and getting them out of a trafficking situation is only the beginning.
“It’s important for us to understand that the recovery of a victim out of their trafficking situation is just the beginning,” she said. “Survivors needs are complex. They’re expansive. They’re lengthy and they take a lot of time for us to get them everything that they need to begin functioning in a normal life again.”
As House Bill 3832 and Senate Bill 1284 move forward, lawmakers and advocates say their shared goal is to stop trafficking before it starts and connect victims to support.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking, help is available. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 for confidential support.
