North Jersey legislators in the State Senate and Assembly are taking aim at human trafficking in the Garden State.
A pair of bills introduced by state Democrats moved forward in the Senate Feb. 27, while a bipartisan bill moved forward a week earlier.
State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) along with State Sens. Troy Singleton (D-7) and Vin Gopal (D-11), worked together to advance two bills on the issue. The first bill (S-1211) would authorize civil actions against entities that knowingly profit from human trafficking.
Targeting Sex Traffickers
“Over 80% of human trafficking is classified as sex trafficking, which heavily relies on the use of hotels and motels. Current law fails to capture the entire scope of beneficiaries of this heinous crime. This legislation would rectify this to open the door for any party who knowingly profits off of human trafficking to be held accountable,” said Gopal.
Under the bill, a person would be subject to civil suits if made aware of human trafficking and allowing it to continue while financially benefiting from it.
Helping Vulnerable Populations
“It is no secret that human trafficking occurs across our nation, and here in New Jersey. This is a deliberate and highly extensive crime that involves the participation of numerous entities,” said Singleton. “This legislation would allow victims and survivors to bring anyone who knowingly aids and profits from trafficking to justice. By expanding current law, we are giving power back to the survivors and their families.”
A second bill (S-3301) would expand the duties of the Commission on Human Trafficking to study issues related to women and children of color, especially risk factors that make those groups especially vulnerable to such exploitation. It would require the agency to develop strategies to help prevent trafficking of women and children of color.
Both of the aforementioned bills were moved forward by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Targeting Massage Parlors
Ruiz sponsored another bill (S-3513) a that would require the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to post information regarding resources available to victims of human trafficking within all airports.
“Human trafficking is a stain on our society’s conscience and an affront to the ideals that we all hold to be sacred. This abhorrent crime targets the most vulnerable in our society and takes away their rights,” said Ruiz. “Any form of trafficking whether forced labor or sex trafficking, must never be tolerated and we must remain steadfast in the fight to end human trafficking.”
Ruiz sponsored a third bill (SCR-138) which would require the State Commission on Investigation to examine human trafficking activity at businesses that employ massage and bodywork therapists. In the course of the investigation, if evidence of human trafficking or other criminal wrongdoing is obtained, the measure would direct the commission to refer the information to the Attorney General.
Webber Offers Companion Bill
Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-26) introduced companion legislation in the Assembly (ACR-81) which would require the State Commission on Investigation to do the same.
“New Jersey has a responsibility to investigate possible illegal activity at businesses disguised as legitimate massage therapy establishments. This investigation has the potential to change hundreds of human trafficking victims’ lives and put an end to illicit massage businesses in New Jersey,” Webber said.
A final bill (S-3550) was introduced by State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-14) would require the Attorney General to address human trafficking related to members of underserved communities. The three bills mentioned above were moved forward by the State Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
“The history of this nation has left women and children of color especially vulnerable to human trafficking. The historic oppression of women and children of color combined with distrust in the criminal justice system has made these groups a prime target for traffickers,” said Greenstein.
Republicans don’t really care about human trafficking – it is just a talking point to keep the heat off of really important topics like gun control, medical care and college debt. Democrats wouldn’t care about this except that they are afraid that they will look bad compared to the Republicans who don’t care at all! Just ignore the man behind the curtain!