Expands the membership of the interagency task force on trafficking in persons

• Democratic6
• Republican2

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Roxanne J. Persaud says this is needed

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.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.