Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package To Extend Protections Against Human Trafficking In New York State

New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed into law a legislative package that expands the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking in members and length of duty to ensure the work the task force does can continue uninhibited. The Governor also signed legislation that ensures transportation hubs across the state are displaying information that may be of use to victims of human trafficking, providing them information on services available. Additionally, Governor Hochul highlighted $2.3 million that was recently awarded to contractors that provide services to survivors and victims of human trafficking across the state.

“Human trafficking is a nightmare no one should have to experience - even one victim is too many,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to sign this legislation to protect the thousands of individuals who fall victim to human trafficking, and I want thank my partners in the legislature for their work in getting these bills through to the finish line.”

Human Trafficking Services Awareness

To expand on New York State’s commitment to support and protect victims of trafficking, Legislation S.4263/A.3227 requires Port Authority airports to provide information that may be useful for human trafficking victims in lactation rooms. Legislation S.5527/A.3720 requires MTA facilities to post information that may be of use to victims of human trafficking. Legislation S.6213/A.4264 requires truck stops to post information that may be useful to victims of human trafficking in lactation rooms. Legislation S.6214/A.4265 requires commercial service airports to post information for human trafficking services in lactation rooms. Legislation S.5827/A.4586 requires service areas maintained and operated by the New York State Thruway Authority provide information regarding services available to human trafficking victims in lactation rooms. Legislation S.4267/A.4669 requires Port Authority bus terminals to provide information regarding services available to human trafficking victims in lactation rooms.

Legislation S.395/A.5505 directs the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking to investigate connections between social media and human trafficking.

State Senator Lea Webb said, “As Chair of the Women’s Issues Committee in the New York State Senate, I was proud to sponsor these bills to aid in the fight against human trafficking. This legislation will ensure information regarding services for human trafficking victims is posted in heavily visited locations that may serve as gateways for traffickers passing through with their victims, including lactation rooms in New York’s commercial airports and truck stops. It is imperative that we work together to address the issues of human trafficking of vulnerable New Yorkers, ensuring that victims can safely access help and find resources without fear of retaliation.”

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, "These bills collectively make strides against human trafficking by investigating its digital roots, increasing public awareness, and ensuring vital information is accessible where it's needed most. I am not just proud but deeply honored to have played a part in advancing these crucial measures."

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “Preventing and combatting human trafficking requires a concerted effort by many state agencies; and the bill that Governor Hochul is signing today provides longer authorization for these agencies to do their critical work.  I thank Governor Hochul for her dedication to this issue and I am eager to get more strategists at the table to better confront human exploitation happening in communities across our great state.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, "There are very few opportunities for victims of sex trafficking to be away from their trafficker. Often, a few moments in a public restroom or lactation room will be the only time a victim is left alone. The information they see in these safe spaces may be the only opportunity they have to learn about services available to them. New York is setting a precedent with this legislation by meeting victims where they are and providing them with the tools they need to leave a life of sexual exploitation.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “Human trafficking is notoriously difficult to detect and the rise of social media platforms and dating apps provide an additional tool to traffickers to lure victims. Millions of people worldwide and thousands of New Yorkers, the vast majority women, fall victim to this abhorrent industry each year, highlighting the importance of broadening the mission of New York's Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking. New York State ranks fourth in human trafficking incidences and this legislation will help us understand the ways in which human traffickers use online platforms and will assist state agencies in spreading awareness of how individuals can keep themselves safe. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this critically important bill into law."

Assemblymember Grace Lee said, “New York’s Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking serves to both prevent human trafficking in New York and support survivors. The signing of this bill today will strengthen the task force’s ability to do this critical work. I was proud to lead the passage of this legislation in the Assembly, and I thank Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and my colleagues in the legislature for their support.”

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance operates the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RTHP), which supports service providers throughout the state to provide case management and services to confirmed victims of trafficking. Today, RHTP supports 11 service providers throughout New York State. Services are responsive to individual needs and goals, and can include emergency services such as shelter, transportation, food assistance and phone access, medical services, clothing, etc. Providers also work with trafficking survivors to identify and support longer-term goals, such as health care and mental health services, employment services, and transitional to longer-term housing.

Through RHTP, $2.3 Million has recently been awarded to the following providers statewide serving survivors of human trafficking:

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) works with law enforcement to ensure that all recruits receive human trafficking training as part of their basic training. In 2022, about 2,500 recruits received training on human trafficking as part of their basic course instruction, including training on how to make a referral for New York State confirmation. Since the beginning of 2023, DCJS, in consultation OTDA, has confirmed 240 trafficked persons in New York State, connecting them with essential services and resources. The state confirmed 249 trafficked persons in 2022, and 295 in 2021.

As of July 20, 2023, lodging facilities in New York State are required to provide training on identifying and reporting human trafficking to all staff who are likely to interact or come into contact with guests. DCJS has been in contact with important players in the hospitality industry—including Marriott, Hilton, and the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association—and has worked with our OTDA partners to draft appropriate state training materials. 

The state Municipal Police Training Council, to which DCJS provides staff, was required by law to develop and issue a Human Trafficking Model Policy that law enforcement could use as a framework for their own policy. The policy was first adopted in 2016 and updated in 2021.