Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act

Bill Number

S. 1442

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-14: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 184.

Last Updated

2026-04-01T15:53:48Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act (S. 1442) aims to strengthen federal efforts to combat human trafficking within the transportation sector. It expands an existing advisory committee under the Department of Transportation (DOT) to include representatives from state departments of transportation, fostering better coordination between federal and state levels.

Key Provisions

• Expansion of Advisory Committee Membership: Amends Section 5 of the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act (Public Law 115-99) to increase the total number of committee members from 15 to 16.
• Inclusion of State Representatives: Requires the addition of at least one member from state departments of transportation (DOTs) to the committee, which previously included representatives from law enforcement, trucking industry groups, anti-trafficking organizations, and others.
• Appointment Timelines:
• General committee appointments must occur no later than 90 days after enactment.
• The new state DOT representative must be appointed no later than 9 months after enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill modifies an existing law (the 2017 Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act) by broadening the advisory committee's composition to explicitly include state DOTs, which were not previously required.
• It adjusts the appointment process to allow more time for selecting the state representative, recognizing potential coordination challenges at the state level.
• Notably, an earlier version of the bill included provisions for funding human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops and welcome centers (eligible under federal transportation grant programs), but these were removed in the reported amendment, focusing solely on the advisory committee.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enhances collaboration between the federal DOT and state DOTs, potentially leading to more unified policies and initiatives to prevent human trafficking in transportation networks like highways and rest areas.
• On Citizens: Could indirectly improve public safety by increasing awareness and prevention efforts against human trafficking, particularly for vulnerable travelers at transportation hubs.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic transportation; however, it may support broader U.S. anti-trafficking commitments under international agreements by strengthening internal mechanisms.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal and State Transportation Agencies: DOT and state DOTs will gain a direct voice in advisory discussions, influencing anti-trafficking strategies.
• Anti-Trafficking Organizations and Law Enforcement: Existing committee members may benefit from state-level input, leading to more effective partnerships.
• Transportation Industry (e.g., Trucking Companies): Could see improved guidelines and resources for identifying and reporting trafficking incidents.
• General Public and Victims: Potential for heightened awareness and prevention measures in travel-related settings.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Builds on prior federal anti-trafficking laws without creating new enforcement powers, ensuring compliance with existing statutes like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The advisory committee's role remains recommendatory, avoiding mandates that could raise federalism concerns.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate transportation; including states promotes cooperative federalism without overriding state autonomy.
• Political Implications: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Sens. Blackburn and Klobuchar) signals broad support for anti-trafficking measures. The focus on state involvement may encourage future state-federal collaborations, though the removal of funding provisions in the amendment could limit immediate practical effects.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

Cosponsors (4)

Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-14: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 184.
• 2025-10-14: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-75.
• 2025-10-14: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-75.
• 2025-05-21: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
• 2025-04-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-04-10: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (4 pages)
• Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act — issued 2025-10-14 — PDF (6 pages)