TATTOO ARTISTS NOW REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE TRAINING TO SPOT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Tennessee’s new “Ink of Hope Act,” has officially taken effect as of yesterday. This new law requires all tattoo artists and operators to complete up to one hour of free training—provided by approved nonprofits—on recognizing and safely reporting signs of human trafficking, such as suspicious behaviors (e.g., visible injuries, avoiding eye contact, jitteriness), coerced tattoos, or branding marks like names, symbols, or barcodes used by traffickers to assert control over victims.
New applicants must pass an updated licensing exam, including human trafficking questions, while existing license holders have until December 31, 2028, to comply or face invalidation until completed. Sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, the law positions tattoo professionals—due to their intimate access to clients’ skin—as key frontline observers in combating trafficking, which affects all 95 Tennessee counties and often involves forced “branding” tattoos; surveys indicate nearly 50% of survivors bear such marks. Tattoo artists and shop owners have expressed strong support, viewing it as aligning with community protection efforts and ensuring clients genuinely want their tattoos, while parents and advocates praise it for potentially aiding earlier interventions.
Human trafficking remains a persistent issue in the state, with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reporting over 1,170 tips in 2024 (down from 1,432 in 2023 but far exceeding other forms, especially minor sex trafficking), and the National Human Trafficking Hotline identifying thousands of victims cumulatively. The law includes liability protections for artists reporting in good faith and emphasizes reporting to authorities without direct intervention.
