Alabama adds human trafficking awareness training for new CDL applicants

This week, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill (HB261) into law requiring all new students studying to obtain a commercial drivers’ license (CDL) through an accredited CDL trade school or training program to complete a human trafficking awareness training course.

The group Truckers Against Trafficking will work with driver training schools and trade colleges to facilitate the training. Drivers who already have their CDL will not be affected by the new law, which goes into effect January 1, 2020.

Alabama is now the ninth state that requires Truckers Against Trafficking training for new CDL holders.

“Professional truck drivers are in a critical position to recognize human trafficking, and when properly equipped, to know how to respond,” said Kylla Lanier, Deputy Political Director of Truckers Against Trafficking. “To know that Alabama has decided to educate and empower the next generation of professional drivers at the CDL school level with anti-trafficking training is phenomenal!”

Alabama Trucking Association spokesman Ford Boswell says that his organization has been involved with TAT for five years, donating more than $20,000 to the program, and has encouraged its members to train and certify their drivers through the TAT program.

“We are extremely pleased with the state’s new requirement,” he said. “We have supported the TAT program for years, helping it to elevate its profile with our members and state law enforcement agencies. Truck drivers are good people who have an opportunity to learn how to save and change the lives of those who have been victimized by human traffickers and need help to escape a terribly dangerous situation.”

For more information on Truckers Against Trafficking, please visit https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/