Human Trafficking: Arkansas rated as one of the "Faltering Four"

Today, Polaris Project released its 2012 State Ratings on human trafficking laws.  Arkansas was rated as one of the "Faltering Four" due to its lack of "a basic legal framework to combat human trafficking."

Senator Jason Rapert, Senator Missy Irvin, Representative Greg Leding and myself are working in conjunction with the Attorney General's office, and other stakeholders to strengthen our laws.  Legislation has been drafted and we are working to make sure it has broad support so that it can be passed in the 2013 session.

Here is a link to the Polaris Project ratings map: http://www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/policy-advocacy/current-laws

Here is a link to the specific Arkansas State report: http://na4.salesforce.com/sfc/p/300000006E4S95crKiEvYLHxr2rVvrb54s0U1gA=

Here is a link to the legislation that has been drafted: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/2012F/Pages/ISPIRDetail.aspx?ispid=2011-219

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at david.meeks@arkansashouse.org


*About Polaris Project*
Polaris Project is one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Named after the North Star "Polaris" that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project is transforming the way that individuals and communities respond to human trafficking, in the U.S. and globally. By successfully pushing for stronger federal and state laws, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (1-888-373-7888), conducting trainings, and providing vital services to victims of trafficking, Polaris Project creates long-term solutions that move our society closer to a world without slavery. Learn more at www.polarisproject.org 

For Immediate Release: *Polaris Project to Release 2012 Annual Ratings on State Human Trafficking Laws*

If you are a member of the Arkansas media or the state legislature please contact me and I can forward you the information for the conference call tomorrow. My personal email is dmeeks72@gmail.com. Phone: 501-277-9340. All others please use the contact information below.

I have accepted the invitation and will be speaking on the conference call about what Arkansas is doing to strengthen it's anti-human trafficking laws. David

*AUGUST 3, 2012*

*CONTACT*: Megan Fowler, 202-540-5231

**Telephone Briefing, Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 1:00PM CDT**

*Polaris Project to Release 2012 Annual Ratings on State Human Trafficking
Laws*

*Washington, DC* - On August 7, 2012 at 1:00pm CDT, Polaris Project will release its 2012 State Ratings on human trafficking laws via a telephone briefing from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, IL. Polaris Project has rated all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on ten categories of laws that are critical to a basic legal framework that combats human trafficking, punishes traffickers and supports survivors. Each state is placed in one of four tiers based on whether it has passed legislation in each of the ten categories.

Attorney General Martha Coakley of Massachusetts; Holly Smith, a human trafficking survivor and activist; lawmakers from the Virginia and Arkansas state legislatures will join Polaris Project to discuss which states have passed significant laws, which states are faltering, and how such laws make a substantial impact in fighting human trafficking in communities across the United States.

*WHAT:* Launch of Polaris Project's 2012 State Ratings Map on Human Trafficking Laws from the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative summit in Chicago, IL

*WHO:* Mary Ellison, Director of Policy, Polaris Project
Martha Coakley, Massachusetts Attorney General
Holly Smith, Human Trafficking Survivor and Activist
Arkansas State Representative David Meeks (*invited*)
Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin (*invited*)

*WHEN:* Tuesday, August 7, 2012
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT)

*RSVP:* Please RSVP for this call by sending your name, email address, outlet and state to mfowler@polarisproject.org.
For additional information, or if you would like to attend the launch in person in Chicago, please contact Megan Fowler at mfowler@polarisproject.org or 202-540-5231.
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To report a tip, connect with anti-trafficking services in your area, or request information, call The National Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 1-888-3737-888.


*About Polaris Project**Polaris Project is one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Named after the North Star "Polaris" that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project is transforming the way that individuals and communities respond to human trafficking, in the U.S. and globally. By successfully pushing for stronger federal and state laws, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (1-888-373-7888), conducting trainings, and providing vital services to victims of trafficking, Polaris Project creates long-term solutions that move our society closer to a world without slavery. Learn more at www.polarisproject.org