New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2123

Introduced
2/7/22  
Refer
2/7/22  

Caption

Requires Attorney General to establish educational and public information program concerning State and federal crimes of human trafficking; appropriates $75,000.

Impact

The legislation builds upon previous efforts to address human trafficking as encapsulated in P.L.2013, c.51, known as the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act. This earlier legislation established a Commission on Human Trafficking and created a 'Survivor's Assistance Fund' while also instituting training modules for various stakeholders including law enforcement and healthcare professionals. By introducing a public education component, A2123 seeks to expand the outreach efforts, addressing the critical need for awareness at a community level which may enhance support and resources available for victims.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2123 mandates the Attorney General of New Jersey to establish an educational and public information program aimed at combating human trafficking, which is a growing concern not only statewide but also nationally. This bill allocates a budget of $75,000 from the General Fund for the execution of this initiative. The core objective of the program is to enhance public knowledge about state and federal crimes associated with human trafficking, thereby fostering an informed citizenry capable of recognizing and responding to such issues.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported by those advocating for stronger measures against human trafficking, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of educational programs when juxtaposed with the need for immediate resources and law enforcement action. Some stakeholders may argue that while education is crucial, it should not overshadow the pressing need for funding and supporting existing programs that provide direct services to victims. Moreover, the allocation of resources might stir discourse about the effective prioritization of initiatives within the state's budget.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A337

Requires Attorney General to establish educational and public information program concerning State and federal crimes of human trafficking; appropriates $75,000.

NJ S379

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

NJ A4152

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

NJ A391

Establishes New Jersey Human Trafficking Criminal Registry; requires establishment of educational curricula related to human trafficking.

NJ S1181

Establishes New Jersey Human Trafficking Criminal Registry; requires establishment of educational curricula related to human trafficking.

NJ HB2318

Relating to the establishment of a statewide human trafficking data repository within the office of the attorney general and to reporting of human trafficking data to the office of the attorney general and by the attorney general.

NJ A4796

Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

NJ S3946

Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

NJ SB1379

Attorney General; establishing certain pilot program; stating eligibility requirements; Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention Revolving Fund. Effective date. Emergency.

NJ A4469

"Video Game Marketplace Trafficking Investigation Act," requires Attorney General to investigate misuse of online video game commerce systems for human trafficking activity.

Similar Bills

NJ A4152

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

NJ S379

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

TX HB589

Relating to combating human trafficking by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

TX SB610

Relating to combating human trafficking by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

ND HB1308

Duties of the human trafficking commission and immunity for reporting human trafficking; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a contingent effective date.

ND HB1308

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 54-12-33 and 54-12-33.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to duties of the human trafficking commission and immunity for reporting human trafficking; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a contingent effective date.

TX SB2105

Relating to the authority of a county attorney or district attorney to enforce human trafficking awareness and prevention in commercial lodging establishments.

TX HB45

Relating to the duty of the attorney general to represent the state in the prosecution of the criminal offense of trafficking of persons.