(Missourinet) – State lawmakers who serve on Missouri’s Human Trafficking task force describe trafficking as a “rapidly-growing” criminal industry.

The panel will hold a September 29 hearing at 3 p.m. at Mizzou’s Old Alumni Center in Columbia. That’s located on Carrie Francke Drive.

State Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) chairs the task force. He tells Missourinet he aims to get input from three different perspectives at the hearing: from law enforcement, those who helped victims escape trafficking and victims.

Haahr describes the task force work as bipartisan. He’s worked closely on the issue with Senate Democratic Leader Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) and State Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake St. Louis).

The task force will submit a report and recommendations to the Legislature by January 1.