06/01/2026
Significant progress continues to be made in Delaware's efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.
The following legislation is currently advancing through the Delaware General Assembly:
✅ House Bill 166 – Senate Ready List (Last Required Vote)
Updates Delaware law by replacing the term "child po*******hy" with Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), recognizing that these images and videos document the abuse and exploitation of children rather than po*******hy.
✅ House Bill 324 – Senate Ready List (Last Required Vote)
Encourages human trafficking awareness training and resource availability within the tattoo and body piercing industry, helping professionals recognize indicators of trafficking and connect victims to support.
✅ House Bill 408 – House Ready List (Before Senate Committee for Consideration)
Aligns Delaware law with the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) by recognizing that any minor engaged in a commercial s*x act is a trafficking victim, regardless of whether a trafficker, pimp, or third party is identified.
✅ House Bill 409 – House Ready List (Before Senate Committee for Consideration)
Strengthens Delaware's ability to address Illicit Massage Establishments (IMEs) and businesses that facilitate commercial s*xual exploitation by closing gaps in existing law and increasing accountability for those who profit from exploitation.
These bills represent meaningful steps forward in strengthening protections for victims, modernizing Delaware law, increasing accountability, and ensuring our response reflects the realities of trafficking and exploitation today.
A special thank you to Representative Kim Williams for her unwavering leadership and commitment to this work. Thank you as well to our legislators, survivor leaders, law enforcement partners, service providers, advocates, state agencies, community partners, and DATAC members who have dedicated countless hours to advancing these efforts.
Together, we are changing the course of how Delaware approaches human trafficking in a significant way. Through collaboration, education, prevention, victim services, and legislative reform, we continue building a stronger, more victim-centered response to exploitation across our state.
The Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council (DATAC) is honored to work alongside each of you. Your dedication, expertise, and commitment are helping create lasting change for victims, survivors, and future generations.
