ROSWELL, Ga. — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp stopped by Roswell Area Park March 14 for a Rotary Club meeting to advocate for ending human trafficking statewide.
More than 250 people, including Rotarians and public officials, packed the gym in the Bill Johnson Community Building to discuss commitments to veteran families and the fight against trafficking.
The same day, the Georgia House of Representatives approved final passage of the ninth anti-human trafficking bill, SB 370, under Gov. Kemp.
The bill, if signed by the governor, would require certain establishments to post human trafficking hotline information.
The bill also secures awareness training and inspections for massage practices, with requirements for the display of licenses.
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson touted the local push to update ordinances on massage practices, implement more regulations and enhance enforcement.
“The City Council and I made it our top priority to eradicate illicit activities in massage parlors and put an end to human trafficking in the City of Roswell,” Wilson said. “The safety and protection of our residents, especially those who cannot defend themselves, is a solemn duty and responsibility.”
He also spoke about the Sept. 20 joint operation led by Roswell Police, in which several spas around Metro Atlanta saw criminal charges, and the subsequent ordinance changes the City Council made March 11 regarding massage establishments.
Some updates included clarifying the role of a registered agent and the requirement for massages to be performed by a Georgia licensed therapist.
“While we may not be able to eradicate illegal massage parlors and human trafficking on a global scale,” Wilson said. “We are going to eradicate illegal massage parlors and human trafficking in the City of Roswell.”
He said he hopes the local effort…
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