Relates to meetings of the interagency task force on human trafficking; adds additional members to the board

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to the composition of the interagency task force on human trafficking and their meetings

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to expand upon the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, originally established in 2007.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends section 483-ee of the social services law which established the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking.

Section 2 provides that this act shall take effect immediately and will not affect the existing repeal date.

Justification

This Task Force, originally created in 2007 as a result of Governor's Program bill 31 establishing criminal penalties for human trafficking in New York State, was formed to collect data relating to the enactment of this human trafficking law and to make recommendations on the effectiveness of the provisions set forth in this new law 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; and 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. The Task Force was also charged with measuring and evaluating the state's progress in preventing trafficking and prosecuting persons engaged in such trafficking.

As a result of this legislation, the Task Force issued one follow up report in August of 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 bolster the efficiency, effectiveness and production of. this task force, this bill codifies the following enhancements. First, seven new members of the task force will be appointed: four by the two leaders of the houses of the legislature in order to have hands on access to the most up to date information for policy makers. Two appointments will be made by the governor based on the recommendation of the not for profit organization in New York State that receives the largest share of funds appropriated by and through the state budget for providing services to victims of human trafficking, and the final appointment will be made on the recommendation of the President of the New York State Bar Association.

In addition, the Chairman of the task force will be required to create sub committees to meet, gather specific information, formulate recommendations and report back to the general task force on specific elements of this multifaceted problem. Each subcommittee must include at least one of the new seven new members. The task force will now be required 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, in and out of government, 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

A.5538 (2013-2014); A.551 (2015)

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.