Tennessee tattoo artists could soon be trained to recognize and report human trafficking

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee tattoo artists could soon be trained to recognize and report human trafficking, making Tennessee the first state to require such training for tattoo professionals.

The “Ink of Hope” act, prompted by a survey showing 47% of survivors had forced branding tattoos, would mandate a one-hour training for tattoo artists and shop owners.

“You are helping people with painful parts of their life, [and] super happy parts of their life,” said Tayler Wooten, a tattoo artist at Kind Tattoo Parlor.

With needles and listening ears, tattoo artists in Tennessee will soon be on the front lines fighting against human trafficking.

“This will also help to address some of those situations where the sex traffickers actually tattoo their victims so they can keep up with them?” asked Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D- Memphis) during a February House Commerce Committee meeting.

“That is true,” replied Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson). “That is the purpose of the bill because they do that.”

The measure passed the House of Representatives on Monday, March 3, following passage in the Senate on Feb. 20. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature.

“Anything that we can do to impede that scourge from our boundaries, our borders is greatly appreciated,” said Rep. Kevin Vaughan (R- Collierville).

Wooten told News 2 that tattoo artists are in a unique position to help.

“I think every artist, everybody in the shop, should be able to know when something is not right, know how to handle it, with or without a law being passed,” he expressed.

But the bill also includes protection for artists, so they are not held responsible by the state or courts for their decision to report or not report human trafficking.

Once signed into law, tattoo artists will have until January 1, 2026, to complete the training.

“Stay close to people who care about you,” Wooten encouraged. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You know, people don’t ask for help because they are afraid of the consequences or they are afraid, or they are afraid of people judging them or not believing them. Ask questions, ask for help, no matter what.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-800-558-6484.