ASSEMBLY, No. 5303

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

221st LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 10, 2025

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  ELLEN J. PARK

District 37 (Bergen)

Assemblywoman  YVONNE LOPEZ

District 19 (Middlesex)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Requires AG to review Statewide policy regarding investigation of human trafficking.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

An Act concerning the investigation of human trafficking and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    a.  The Attorney General shall review and revise, as necessary, the Statewide policy regarding the investigation of human trafficking.

     b.    The Attorney General shall consider and address:

     (1)   whether the use of audio or video recording by law enforcement officers conducting undercover investigations of human trafficking would protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the proper treatment of victims of human trafficking;

     (2)   the implementation of strict policies for dissemination of the audio or video recording, if used, in order to protect victims of human trafficking;

     (3)   the involvement of county prosecutors at the beginning of and throughout human trafficking investigations conducted by county or municipal law enforcement officers in order to address legal challenges as they arise; and

     (4)   any other areas, as determined by the Attorney General.

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill requires the Attorney General to review the Statewide policy regarding the investigation of human trafficking.

     Currently, Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2012-2 sets forth standards and procedures for the investigation of human trafficking.

     Under the provisions of this bill, upon the review of the policy, the Attorney General is required to consider and address: 1) whether  the use of audio or video recording by law enforcement officers conducting undercover investigations of human trafficking would protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the proper treatment of victims of human trafficking; 2) the implementation of strict policies for dissemination of the audio or video recording, if used, in order to protect victims of human trafficking; 3) the involvement of county prosecutors at the beginning of and throughout human trafficking investigations conducted by county or municipal law enforcement officers in order to address legal challenges as they arise; and 4) any other areas, as determined by the Attorney General.

     This bill is in response to a recommendation contained in a report issued by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation in October 2024 entitled "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey."