Relates to meetings of the interagency task force on human trafficking and extends such provisions relating thereto; adds additional members to the board

Summary of specific provisions

This bill amends section 483-ee of the social services law, as added by chapter 74 of the laws of 2007, subdivision (a), as amended by section 5 of part A-1 of chapter 55 of the laws of 2010; and also amends section 14 of chapter 74 of the laws of 2007 as amended by chapter 24 of the laws of 2011.

Justification

This bill would extend the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, originally established in 2007 and set to expire 9/1 this year, until 9/1/2017. It would also expand the make-up of the Task Force and require further duties.

The Task Force was originally created in 2007 per Governor's Program bill #31 establishing criminal penalties for human trafficking. It was formed to collect data relating to the enactment of this human trafficking law and to make recommendations on the effectiveness of its provisions and potential amendments.

Specifically, the Task Force was charged with:

- coordinating the implementation of the new law;

- studying issues that may need further reform, including ensuring that victims are properly protected and assisted;

- collecting data on the extent of trafficking in the state;

- recommending best practices for training and community outreach to help law enforcement, social service providers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the general public to recognize trafficking situations; and

- measuring progress in preventing trafficking and prosecution of persons engaged in it.

The Task Force is currently comprised of: (1) the Commissioner of DCJS; (2) the Commissioner of OTDA; (3) the Commissioner of Health; (4) the Commissioner of OMH; (5) the Commissioner of Labor; (6) the Commissioner of OCFS; (7) the Commissioner of OASAS; (8) the Director of the Office of Victim Services; (9) the Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; and (10) the Superintendent of the State Police.

As a result of the original legislation, the Task Force issued only one follow-up report in August 2008. Since then, there have been no published updates on the activity surrounding access to social services for victims of human trafficking, the effectiveness of the law, and no suggestions or amendments have been provided to the Legislature for review.

In order to improve the effectiveness of the Task Force, this bill would:

- appoint six new members: three each by the two leaders of the Houses of the Legislature. One of each House's three appointments must have specific experience providing services to victims of human trafficking. These appointments would be for two year terms and each appointee would continue until a successor is appointed. Also, members could be re-appointed;

- require the Task Force to create subcommittees to meet, gather specific information, formulate recommendations and report back to the general Task Force. Each subcommittee would have to include at least one person from each House's new three appointments; and

- require the Task Force to meet at least three times per year and issue a report at least annually.

The goal of all of these enhancements is to ensure that every possible resource is used effectively to protect victims, prosecute the purveyors of these horrific activities, and put as much of a stranglehold on the business of human trafficking as possible in New York State.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately; provided that the amendments to section 483-ee of the social services law made by section one of this act shall not affect the repeal of such section and shall be deemed repealed therewith.