Community News

Assemblymember Diane Dixon presents AB 1918 “Ink of Hope” bill on Assembly Floor

 

by: Benjamin Montelongo
Published: August 31, 2026

 

California State Assemblymember Diane Dixon (Left) and Tennessee State Senator Becky Duncan Massey (Right)

 

SACRAMENTO...Assemblymember Dixon’s Assembly Bill 1918 passed through the Assembly Floor with unanimous support and is headed for the Governor’s desk. 

AB 1918 would require tattoo shops to post a human trafficking notice with information on the signs of human trafficking and require tattoo artists to complete training to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to the appropriate law enforcement agency. 

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that persists in California. We must take every step possible to help victims and their families, and bring a swift end to this reprehensible practice," said Assemblymember Dixon. “This issue continues to be a priority for me and my work in this area is far from over.”

Human traffickers will often tattoo, burn or scar their victims as a way to denote ownership. From a study done by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—"It is a strategy to dehumanize victims, demonstrating who controls their bodies and communicating “ownership” to other traffickers.”

In 2025, Tennessee Senator Becky Massey authored the “Ink of Hope Act” and it passed through the legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Massey last year at a Women’s Leadership conference and was inspired by her ‘Ink of Hope Act’,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “This was a first of its kind legislation and I am thrilled to continue that work here in California. It was an incredible opportunity to have Senator Massey with me to witness AB 1918 move one step closer to becoming part of California law”.

Photo:CA Assembly