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Committee advances bill to expand human-trafficking penalties to include financial beneficiaries
Summary
S1989, sponsored by Senators Gopal and Singleton, was advanced with committee amendments that create enhanced penalties for participants who financially benefit from trafficking and for those who traffic minors for coerced labor; advocates urged pairing the bill with the Immigrant Trust Act to improve reporting. The bill moves to the full Senate with unanimous committee support.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday voted to advance S1989, a bill that would broaden New Jersey’s human-trafficking statute to cover people who financially benefit from trafficking schemes, and add enhanced penalties for trafficking that targets minors for coerced labor or services.
Chairman Stack introduced the bill and described committee amendments that clarify two categories for enhanced penalties: (1) participants in a trafficking scheme who benefit financially from the conduct, and (2) anyone who traffics minors to obtain forced labor or services. Senators Gopal and Singleton, sponsors of the bill, said the measure is timely given large public events and the need to hold those who profit from trafficking accountable.
Carol Ruiz, representing the Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center, testified in favor of S1989, urging lawmakers to consider where trafficking occurs and to protect survivors who fear contacting law enforcement. "Human trafficking victims have a very, very difficult time reporting crimes," Ruiz said, describing exploitation in sporting events, home health care, childcare and even hair salons. She recommended pairing S1989 with the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672) so victims feel safe seeking help and prosecutions can include those who benefit financially.
Clerk-recorded sign-ups noted additional supporters who did not testify orally, including representatives from the Associated Builders and Contractors, Volunteers of America and the New Jersey Catholic Conference.
Senator Gopal moved to advance the bill with the committee amendments; Senator Singleton seconded. The committee conducted a roll call and recorded support, advancing S1989 to the full Senate voting session later in the day.
Next steps: S1989 will appear on the Senate floor calendar for a full-body vote; the committee did not amend the bill text on the record beyond the described clarifications.
