Substitute House Bill No. 5476, also known as Public Act No. 26-70, aims to strengthen the state's response to human trafficking and improve training and oversight in related areas. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill requires the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division to evaluate and coordinate state agency efforts against human trafficking, culminating in a comprehensive plan due by January 1, 2027. The Trafficking in Persons Council's composition is modified to include new members, such as the Secretary of the State and representatives from organizations focused on human trafficking. Additionally, the bill mandates training on human trafficking for social worker trainees and employees of the Department of Children and Families, with a completion deadline set for July 1, 2027. The bill also enhances the responsibilities of the Office of the Child Advocate, requiring periodic reviews of juvenile facilities and the preparation of reports on conditions of confinement. A new Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Subcommittee will be established to implement recommendations for improving the state's anti-trafficking efforts. Furthermore, the bill mandates training for law enforcement on trafficking laws and victim identification, with all police training programs required to include this training by October 1, 2026. It introduces a confidential crisis hotline for reporting sexual violence in correctional institutions, to be implemented by January 1, 2027, and modifies the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division's responsibilities to include advising on trafficking prevention. Notably, the bill changes the language regarding the Commissioner of Children and Families' role from may to shall, emphasizing a more proactive approach to addressing child abuse, neglect, and trafficking.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
GOS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 389:
APP Joint Favorable:
Public Act No. 26-70: