JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, has appointed State Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, to serve on the Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, pursuant to Section 210.1505, RSMo.
HB 2275 being signed
The council, established by legislation approved during the 2026 legislative session, is charged with coordinating statewide efforts to combat human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children through prevention, education, training, victim services, and collaboration among state and local partners. The council operates within the Office of the Missouri Attorney General and includes representatives from the General Assembly, law enforcement, state agencies, victim advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
“Human trafficking and the exploitation of children are among the most horrific crimes our communities face,” Speaker Patterson said. “Representative Lewis demonstrated outstanding leadership on this issue during the legislative session, and I am confident he will continue that work by helping guide Missouri’s efforts to protect victims, strengthen prevention efforts, and hold offenders accountable.”
Rep. Ed Lewis
Rep. Lewis served as the House handler for HB 2273, legislation that strengthened Missouri’s response to human trafficking and child exploitation. The legislation established the new statewide council, expanded training requirements for law enforcement and other professionals, strengthened protections for victims, created new criminal offenses targeting online exploitation and the grooming of minors, and enhanced penalties for offenders.
“I am honored to receive this appointment and grateful to Speaker Patterson for the opportunity to continue serving Missourians in this capacity,” Lewis said. “Protecting children and supporting victims of trafficking requires a coordinated effort across every level of government and our community partners. I look forward to working with the council to help ensure Missouri remains committed to preventing exploitation, supporting survivors, and bringing perpetrators to justice.”
The Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children is required to meet at least quarterly and will coordinate statewide strategies to address trafficking, improve training, increase public awareness, and strengthen support services for victims.