Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, leads a committee meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
A testy Indiana senator on Monday repeatedly reminded committee members and witnesses alike of the “realities” of working at the Statehouse — after he significantly weakened a human trafficking awareness proposal. Detailed language cracking down on illegal massage parlors was also added, but could see further amendments.
“I get (that) you want all of it,” Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis said. “Understand (that) … a lot of businesses and their associations have come to see me and explain to me why this isn’t workable, and I’m trying to find a solution to keep it moving.”
Later, he told a witness, “There are realities, and there are things that are required to get bills to move.”
House Bill 1416 originally ordered state-run rest stops and private gas stations to display posters describing human trafficking, outlining indicators, and providing contract information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and a local law enforcement agency. Other provisions would’ve required restaurants and hotels to post similar written notices for employees to see and provide staff with state-approved awareness training.
Freeman’s amendment made gas station posters optional and deleted the training mandates — to the distaste of some committee members. It was accepted on a 6-3 vote.
Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, noted that many Hoosier establishments already voluntarily post awareness materials. She added that “when industry takes care of these issues,” a mandate isn’t necessary.
Democrats and a lone Republican disagreed.
“I think one sheet of paper isn’t going to break the bank for the gas stations … and if it saves one human life, I think it’s more than worth it,” said Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange.
Freeman, meanwhile, told his committee that most days, he leaves the Statehouse frustrated.
“This building is the most exhilarating place to work, and it is the most mind-numbingly frustrating place to work, all on the same day. This building is about what’s possible, and this is what’s possible — today, anyway,” he concluded.
Freeman also allowed a colleague to call an amendment cracking down on illegal massage businesses — just two weeks after five women were arrested on prosecution-related charges at three Michigan City parlors, WNDU-TV reported.
“My law enforcement community back home asked me to do something. They’re frustrated, my mayors are frustrated, and they feel this is the best, easiest, most non-intrusive way to do it,” Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, said. He said current law only allows for pricey stings.
His amendment initially extended the poster requirements to massage parlors. It also blocks massage parlor advertisements from websites that also accept promotions for prostitution, escort and sexual services. Another addition bars “sexual conduct” and condoms at the parlors, and prohibits people from making arrangements there for sex elsewhere.
Employees would have to be fully clothed in opaque materials that don’t expose female nipples or show “covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.” Parlors would have to display photographs of their employees, accompanied by any massage therapist license numbers, in the reception area — and windows into reception areas couldn’t be more than half-blocked.
Other provisions ban parlors from housing any people, introduce detailed record-keeping requirements, let law enforcement officers inspect reception areas for compliance and allow for license suspensions.
Freeman asked if Bohacek would agree to changing “shall” provisions within the package of changes to “may” provisions.
“I cannot imagine a single illicit massage parlor that would ever do this,” Bohacek said, prompting Freeman to remark, “I’ve tried for 20 minutes to avoid saying what I’m about to say. I’ve tried to find some way to move this bill … I continue to try.”
Freeman later threatened to hold the legislation from a vote, calling it a “challenge.” Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, said he “can’t understand what the challenge would be to protect people from human trafficking.”
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The committee agreed to make the amendment’s poster mandate voluntary, then adopted it on a 7-1 vote.
Witnesses representing survivors’ groups said they preferred the posters to be mandatory, while lobbyists for restaurants, hotels and convenience stores thanked lawmakers for the edits.
“One out of 100 trafficking victims survive,” said Evyn Wimer, an advocate working with Raindrops Rising Foundation. “How many more might make it out if they knew that they had a choice, if they saw a flyer in a bathroom stall and memorized a phone number?”
The legislation heads to the Senate floor after a unanimous, 9-0 vote — despite grumbling.
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Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com.
