BILL NUMBER: S181
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to expanding the
membership of the interagency task force on trafficking in persons
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation would add the Department of Transportation, Department
of Motor Vehicles and NYS Thruway Authority to the list of agencies
comprising the Interagency Task Force on Trafficking.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision (a) of section 483-3ee of the Social
Services Law to add the Commissioner of the Department of Transporta-
tion, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Exec-
utive Director of the Thruway Authority to the agencies comprising the
Interagency Task Force on Trafficking.
Section 2 sets forth an immediate effective date with provisions.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Interagency Task Force on Trafficking was established in 2007 as
part of broader reforms establishing criminal penalties for human traf-
ficking in New York State. The Task Force was convened 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 traf-
ficking 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 prose-
cuting persons engaged in such trafficking.
As New York State continues to assess and respond to human trafficking,
it is necessary to directly include the state agencies that oversee
transportation systems and licensed transporters. At the federal level,
the United States Department of Transportation plays an important role
in the nation's response to trafficking and has membership on the Presi-
dent's Interagency Task Force (PITF) established under the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000. The agency is responsible for coordi-
nation, training, public awareness and overseeing grant funding for
countertrafficking efforts. Similar collaboration among and represen-
tation of New York State agencies is necessary to combat trafficking.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S6424-C passed Senate
2023: S6424-b passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S181: 483-ee social services law