Missouri Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, was appointed by House Speaker Jon Patterson to the new Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, according to a Thursday news release from the Missouri House of Representatives.
The council, which is within the Office of the Missouri Attorney General, is made up of representatives from the General Assembly, law enforcement, state agencies, victim advocacy organizations and other stakeholders. It was established by legislation approved in 2026 and meets quarterly to coordinate prevention, education and training efforts, along with victim services.
"Human trafficking and the exploitation of children are among the most horrific crimes our communities face," Patterson said in the news release. "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."
Lewis was the House handler for House Bill 2273, which Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law in April.
The law is meant to strengthen Missouri's response to human trafficking and child exploitation by establishing the council, expanding law enforcement training requirements, creating stronger protection for victims, enhancing the punishments for offenders and creating new offenses targeting online exploitation and the grooming of minors, according to the release.
"I am honored to receive this appointment and grateful to Speaker Patterson for the opportunity to continue serving Missourians in this capacity," Lewis said in the release.
"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," he added.
Lewis is running for a seat in Missouri Senate District 18 this year.