LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order establishing the Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition, a 15-member task force focused on prevention and survivor support across Kentucky, with First Lady Britainy Beshear serving as chair.

The coalition brings together experts in public safety, law enforcement, healthcare, media and government, including Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Olivia D. Olson, Jefferson County Sheriff David James and representatives from Norton Healthcare and the Kentucky Derby Festival. The group will meet at the First Lady's call and provide annual reports to the governor with findings and policy recommendations.

"Human trafficking tears families apart and leaves survivors not knowing where to turn or who they can trust," First Lady Beshear said. "As First Lady, I've made the fight against human trafficking a top priority." The announcement comes as Kentucky ranks in the top 10 nationally for human trafficking cases involving children, with a 40-50 percent increase since 2022.

The First Lady, who serves on the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking, emphasized the coalition's focus on education, survivor support and justice. "Through this coalition, we will increase education across Kentucky, support survivors, seek justice and deliver meaningful results," she said.

The Beshear administration has made human trafficking prevention a priority. As Attorney General, Gov. Beshear created the Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution, and in 2025 signed legislation making sexual extortion a felony in Kentucky.

Commissioner Burnett highlighted the need for multi-sector coordination. "Ending human trafficking requires more than law enforcement efforts alone," he said. "The coalition is a step forward in saving lives by raising awareness and empowering Kentuckians with the knowledge to recognize and help stop this crime."

The coalition includes Ricky Lynn, a Frankfort police special victims detective who has become an advocate on trafficking prevention. Coalition members representing healthcare, emergency services, and victim advocacy bring diverse expertise to the initiative.