JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – In a significant move to combat human trafficking, Tennessee has introduced the Ink of Hope Act. This legislation mandates that all licensed tattoo artists and operators across the state complete up to one hour of specialized training to identify signs of human trafficking. The new requirement is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Under this act, any tattoo professional holding a valid license as of December 31, 2025, must fulfill this training requirement by the end of 2028. The training is designed to be flexible, allowing participants the choice of completing it either online or in-person.

The course will equip tattoo artists with essential skills, including identifying indicators of trafficking, taking appropriate action when such signs are observed, directing clients to support services for trafficking victims, and reporting suspicious activities to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline.

Importantly, this training is offered at no cost to the participants. It must be conducted through a nonprofit organization that has received approval from the Tennessee Human Trafficking Advisory Council.

The training is at no cost to the applicant and must be completed through a non-profit organization approved by the Tennessee Human Trafficking Advisory Council.

Heathur Sawyer, Owner of ‘Til Death Tattoo’ and a tattoo artist of ten years, told News Channel 11 that, though her tattoo artists are professionally trained to spot human trafficking situations, the course will educate newer artists on the issue.

“What this does teach you is to talk about it, to know that it happens, and to know that we have a responsibility to the people that we work with to make sure they are safe,” Sawyer said. “It’s an excellent thing for anybody who works with any person in general to be able to identify that.”

Sawyer said she has already completed her training.

Wesley Pidgeon, Owner of Pidgeon Tattoos and a tattoo artist of five years, said the course will educate tattoo artists about signs they may not already be aware of.

“I think it would be very relevant and helpful for artists to know what to look for,” Pidgeon said. “In the past five years that I’ve been tattooing, I haven’t had anything in mind to be looking for, so that’s where I think this would help.”

Training could help artists identify potential trafficking victims based on client behavior in tattoo shops, according to Sawyer.

“As a professionally trained artist, you should know immediately if a person is on guard, are they speaking for their self, is someone speaking for them, are they making their own choices,” Sawyer said. “All of those things should be their choice with their words from the time they walk in the door.”

If a tattoo artist and/or operator fails to complete the required course training by December 31, 2028, the Department of Health will render the person’s license invalid until the training is completed.

Click here to learn more about the Ink of Hope Act.