Representative Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, has introduced a bill that mandates fingerprint-based background checks for all owners and employees of massage wellness spas, aiming to shut down pathways used by traffickers.
Titled the “Human Trafficking Fingerprint Background Check Protection Act of 2024,” the bill seeks to prevent human trafficking by requiring comprehensive background checks for people in businesses that have been under scrutiny in recent years.
Boebert’s bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance and mandates human trafficking awareness training for spa employees.
Representative Lauren Boebert questions Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building on July 22 in Washington, D.C. Boebert has introduced a bill that mandates fingerprint-based background checks for all owners and employees of massage wellness spas.
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“Massage wellness spas have been identified by law enforcement as one of the primary locations for criminals engaged in human trafficking,” Boebert said. “By implementing this safeguard, we can protect families and ensure these businesses aren’t operating as shady fronts for criminal enterprises.”
Boebert emphasized that the proposed legislation would enhance public safety by addressing the criminal activity associated with massage parlors, often identified by law enforcement as fronts for human trafficking. According to Boebert, the checks would mitigate risks by identifying people with criminal histories, including those involved in sexual exploitation and violence.
The bill requires law enforcement agencies to report any criminal activity uncovered during background checks, which will then be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and action.
Supporters of the proposal include the Douglas County commissioners, who issued a joint statement commending Boebert for her commitment to fighting human trafficking: “This effort is vital to the well-being and future of our community.”
The bill’s introduction comes amid ongoing discussions about regulating businesses linked to human trafficking, with high-profile cases like that of Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, reigniting national attention on the issue. Kraft was charged with soliciting prostitution at a Florida massage parlor in 2019. Prosecutors dropped the misdemeanor charge in 2020 after courts blocked their use of video that allegedly shows him paying for sex, according to the Associated Press.
These cases have increased calls for stricter oversight of massage wellness facilities, often linked to trafficking. In response, states like Texas have passed laws allowing authorities to close any licensed massage business suspected of human trafficking.
The bill is under review in the House and is expected to gain traction as Congress continues to discuss reforms aimed at addressing human trafficking across multiple industries. If enacted, it would take effect 120 days after its passage, giving businesses time to comply with the new requirements.
