(DENVER) — A bill to curb human trafficking has passed in the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee. The bill is sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook (R-Parker).

The bill seeks to stop the creation of illicit massage parlors in Colorado by increasing background checks for anyone attempting to open or work at a massage business.

“This bill will establish a mandatory national fingerprint background check of all employees and owners for these types of facilities,” said Rep. Hartsook. “It will deter bad actors from trying to move to Colorado and establish illicit massage facilities.”

A Denver-area sex trafficking ring was busted in April of 2022, involving four massage parlors in Jefferson County. Another ring was busted in 2020, after a year-long investigation known as the “Bad Apple” involving six parlors and seven indictments.

These parlors often use women who are being trafficked.

“This will help address human trafficking, which is a problem in Colorado,” Hartsook said. “While most of these businesses are legitimate, this legislation will act as a safeguard to ensure they are not used as a vehicle for human trafficking.”