“Signs of Hope” Act passes Delaware Senate

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Senate on Thursday passed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 43, the Signs of Hope Act.

SS 1 for SB 43 expands upon existing law and requires additional state facilities and private establishments to display signage to help raise public awareness about human trafficking.

In coordination with the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council, Department of Labor, and other stakeholders, the prime sponsors of the legislation have identified several locations in which the signage will benefit the state’s fight against human trafficking. These locations include state service centers, hotels, casinos, and massage establishments. If a location owner does not comply with the initial warning, the owner may be fined, but the bill sponsors do not anticipate a problem with compliance. Establishments will receive a warning before any civil penalties are assessed.

SS 1 for SB 43 unanimously passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.