This bill amends existing legislation to enhance public awareness regarding human trafficking by requiring that public awareness signs include translations in Chinese and Korean, in addition to English and Spanish. The signs will display the national, 24-hour toll-free hotline for human trafficking and must be posted in various establishments, including strip clubs, massage therapy businesses, bars, airports, and public transportation facilities, among others. The signs must be clearly visible and meet specific size and font requirements.

The legislation also establishes penalties for non-compliance, with businesses facing a civil penalty of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. This initiative is a response to recommendations from a report by the Commission of Investigation, which highlighted the need for broader language accessibility in efforts to combat human trafficking in New Jersey. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17B-237.1