Florida State University Law Students Lead the Charge for Human Trafficking Legislation

Florida State University College of Law students have recently made a big impact by helping pass a new law aimed at fighting human trafficking in public schools. This law, named House Bill 1237, took effect last week and is part of a broader effort to address this serious issue in Florida, a state known for its high number of trafficking cases.

The push for this law was led by students Lauren Evans and Tazara Fields, who worked closely with Professors Paolo Annino and Emmalyn Dalton. Their teamwork helped bring the bill from an idea to reality during the 2025 legislative session, culminating in its signing by Governor Ron DeSantis.

“We are incredibly proud of our law students for promoting a law that protects vulnerable kids in Florida,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, the law school’s dean. “This achievement showcases the power of hands-on learning and how our students can make a real difference in public policy.”

The new law requires school staff to undergo annual training to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking. While Florida has long mandated that students learn about trafficking, this legislation ensures that educators—who are often the first to notice red flags—are also trained to act.

Historically, Florida’s laws on human trafficking have been reactive rather than proactive. A report from the Florida Department of Children and Families indicates that nearly 4,000 cases of human trafficking were reported last year alone, with minors being especially vulnerable. This law changes the landscape by empowering educators with the knowledge they need to intervene early.

Professor Annino, a notable figure in child advocacy law, played a critical role in mentoring the students. He expressed pride in their dedication and the future of public interest law, stating, “Working with these brilliant students gives me hope for a bright future in our legal system.”

“Working with these brilliant students gives me hope for a bright future in our legal system.”

– Paolo Annino, Glass Professor of Public Interest Law

Evans and Fields, now law graduates, were instrumental in pushing the proposal forward. They spent months preparing testimonies and collaborating with advocacy groups. Their firsthand experience taught them about the legislative process and the impact of dedicated advocacy. Evans noted, “Passing this law shows Florida’s commitment to children’s safety. I hope future students see how they can influence their community even while still in school.”

The experience also reshaped Fields’ understanding of advocacy. She remarked, “This law represents a collective pledge to justice, especially for our most vulnerable. Witnessing this bill become law was eye-opening and showed how united efforts can create real change for Florida’s children.”

For further insights on how advocacy efforts shape public policy, check out resources like the Office on Trafficking in Persons.

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