Judiciary committee advances bill expanding human trafficking liability to those who benefit financially

The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance S-1989 on Dec. 5, a bill sponsored by Senators Gopal and Singleton that expands the state human trafficking statute to reach individuals who financially benefit from trafficking schemes.

Chairman Stack described committee amendments that the sponsors and staff offered to clarify that the measure would establish enhanced penalties for two categories: (1) any participant in a human trafficking scheme who benefits financially from the scheme, and (2) anyone who traffics minors to provide coerced labor or services. The amendments were offered in committee and the bill was moved with those changes.

Carol Ruiz, representing Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center, testified in favor of S-1989. Ruiz told the committee that trafficking often occurs at major sporting events and in ordinary industries — child care, home health care, hair salons — and she urged the committee to consider related proposals (she referenced S-3672, the Immigrant Trust Act) to ensure victims feel safe reporting crimes. Ruiz said victims often fear contacting law enforcement because they believe that cooperation could lead to immigration enforcement.

The committee had three additional sign-in supporters who did not testify: Andrew Lefebvre (Associated Builders and Contractors), Ben Grazione (Volunteers of America) and James King (New Jersey Catholic Conference). After the public testimony and sponsor remarks the committee moved the bill with the committee amendments and approved it by roll call.

The measure now advances to the full Senate for further consideration.