Relates to the interagency task force on human trafficking

1 Co-sponsor

• Tony Avella

BILL NUMBER:S4089

Purpose of bill

This proposal would amend section 14 of Chapter 74 of the Laws of 2007 to extend the authorization for the interagency task force on human trafficking for two years until September 1, 2013.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the proposal would amend section 14 of Chapter 74 of the Laws of 2007 to extend the provisions of section 483-ee of the Social Services Law from September 1, 2011 until September 1, 2013.

Section two of the proposal would provide for an immediate effective date.

Existing law

Section 483-ee of the Social Services Law established an interagency task force to study and report on issues relating to human trafficking, including training for police, prosecutors and defense attorneys; identifying services available to trafficking victims; and evaluating the progress of the State in preventing trafficking and protecting victims.

This provision currently expires on September 1, 2011.

Prior legislative history

This is a new proposal. This provision was enacted by Chapter 74 of the Laws of 2007.

Statement in support

This proposal would extend the provisions of section 483-ee of the Social Services Law, which established an interagency task force to study and report on issues relating to human trafficking. The interagency task force on human trafficking is co-chaired by the Commissioners of the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and is charged with: (1) collecting and organizing data on the extent of trafficking in the State; (2) identifying available State, federal and local programs that provide services to victims of trafficking; (3) consulting with governmental and nongovernmental organizations to develop recommendations to strengthen trafficking prevention, assistance to victims and prosecution of traffickers; (4) establishing interagency protocols and collaboration among governmental and nongovernmental organizations; (5) evaluating and recommending approaches to increase public awareness of trafficking; (6) evaluating and recommending improvements to training programs for law enforcement, social service providers, defense attorneys and nongovernmental organizations; and (7) measuring and evaluating the State's progress in preventing trafficking, protecting and providing assistance to victims of trafficking, and prosecuting persons engaged in such trafficking. The statutory authority for the human

trafficking task force would be extended by the Proposal without any other changes.

Budget implications

This proposal would have no fiscal impact since it merely extends the current statutory authority for the task force.

Effective date

The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.