A proposal to help people escape the horrors of human trafficking passed the Illinois Senate today.

The measure requires the state government to post signs warning about the dangers of human trafficking and display the phone number of the national human trafficking hotline in high-traffic areas, such as truck stops, bus stations, train stations, airports and rest stops.

The sponsor of the legislation, state Senator Julie Morrison, explained that the idea for the bill came from 2014 media reports about failures at the Department of Children and Family Services.

“When I learned that DCFS wards at residential treatment centers were essentially selling themselves into prostitution, I was furious,” said the Deerfield Democrat. “Some of the girls who told their stories talked about traveling through truck stops and bus stations, which made me think these transportation hubs are the perfect place to post the human trafficking hotline number.”

More than one study has identified Chicago as a national hub of human trafficking, but exact numbers are hard to pinpoint. A 2007 study estimated that 16,000 to 25,000 women and girls are involved in the commercial sex trade in the Chicago metropolitan area, and at least some of them are likely victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking isn’t limited to Chicago or the sex trade. In 2005, federal authorities busted seven brothels in Rockford that exploited human trafficking victims. And some victims are forced to perform labor rather than sex, essentially making them modern day slaves.

Morrison’s legislation is supported by a broad coalition of human service groups, including the Illinois chapters of the National Association of Social Workers, the Catholic Conference and Foster Care Alumni of America.

The legislation is Senate Bill 43. It now goes to the Illinois House of Representatives, where it will be sponsored by Representative Camille Lilly.