Requires state contractors to submit a statement on preventing human trafficking in bids to the state and maintain a written policy for preventing human trafficking within its operations, business dealings, and supply chain and provide to the state a copy of such policy when submitting such statement.
Summary
Bill A00965 amends the state finance law to require that all bids submitted to the state or any public department include a statement affirming that the bidder will not engage in business with any organization involved in human trafficking. Additionally, bidders who have a written policy for preventing human trafficking must submit this policy alongside their bid. The bill aims to ensure that state procurement processes are aligned with efforts to combat human trafficking by holding contractors accountable for their business practices.
The bill specifies that if a bidder cannot certify compliance with the human trafficking statement, they must provide a detailed explanation. Furthermore, corporate bidders are deemed to have authorized their bids through their board of directors, which includes the certification regarding human trafficking. The bill also clarifies that individuals who are victims of human trafficking are not considered to be engaging in such activities.
This legislation is intended to enhance the integrity of state contracts by ensuring that state funds do not support entities involved in human trafficking. It mandates that state agencies accept electronic submissions of the required statements, thereby streamlining the procurement process while maintaining accountability.
The bill is set to take effect 90 days after it becomes law and will apply to contracts entered into after that date. The amendments made to the state finance law are designed to integrate the human trafficking prevention measures into existing procurement practices.
Impact
If enacted, Bill A00965 will significantly impact state procurement laws by introducing mandatory compliance measures for contractors regarding human trafficking. It will require all bidders to affirm their non-involvement in human trafficking activities and to submit their policies on preventing such practices. This change aims to create a more ethical procurement environment and could lead to increased scrutiny of contractors' business practices, potentially influencing how state funds are allocated and spent.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A00965 appears to be generally supportive, as it aligns with broader societal efforts to combat human trafficking. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of compliance for some bidders, particularly smaller businesses that may lack formal policies on human trafficking. Overall, the bill is seen as a positive step towards ensuring ethical practices in state contracting.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from the requirement for bidders to certify their non-involvement in human trafficking, as some may argue that this imposes an additional burden on businesses, particularly smaller ones. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of the measures in preventing human trafficking and whether the bill effectively addresses the complexities of the issue. Stakeholders may include business advocacy groups who may express concerns about the implications for competitive bidding.
Same As
Requires state contractors to submit a statement on preventing human trafficking in bids to the state and maintain a written policy for preventing human trafficking within its operations, business dealings, and supply chain and provide to the state a copy of such policy when submitting such statement.
Requires state contractors to submit a statement on preventing human trafficking in bids to the state and maintain a written policy for preventing human trafficking within its operations, business dealings, and supply chain and provide to the state a copy of such policy when submitting such statement.
In human trafficking, further providing for definitions and providing for victim determination statement and for State Human Trafficking Resource Coordinator; and, in licensing of drivers, providing for restoration of operating privilege for victims of human trafficking.
In human trafficking, further providing for definitions and providing for victim determination statement and for State Human Trafficking Resource Coordinator; and, in licensing of drivers, providing for restoration of operating privilege for victims of human trafficking.
A bill for an act relating to a required course of instruction regarding human trafficking prevention for persons applying for the initial issuance of certain commercial driver's licenses, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 697.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: Conditional.
Require hotels and similar public lodging establishments to display posters relating to human trafficking, provide for training regarding recognition of human trafficking for employees of such establishments, and limit liability for human trafficking activity at such establishments
Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.