Bill

Bill > S4320


NJ S4320

NJ S4320
Authorizes majority of Commission on Human Trafficking membership to exercise powers and duties of commission.


summary

Introduced
05/12/2025
In Committee
05/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill authorizes a majority of Commission on Human Trafficking (commission) membership to exercise the powers and duties of the commission. The commission is a 17-member commission that was created by the Legislature in 2013 as part of the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act (P.L. 2013, c. 51). The commission is responsible for: evaluating existing law concerning human trafficking and making recommendations for legislation; reviewing existing victim assistance programs and analyzing the costs, organization, and availability of services for victims; promoting a coordinated response by public and private resources for victims of human trafficking; and developing mechanisms to promote public awareness of human trafficking, victim remedies and services, and trafficking prevention. The commission is required to report annually to the Governor and to the Legislature regarding its activities, findings, and recommendations. Under current law, a majority of the commission's "authorized membership" is required to achieve a quorum. Accordingly, nine members must be present in order for the commission to perform its duties. Due to vacancies in the commission, this requirement can make it difficult to achieve a quorum, and can result in an inability of the commission to perform its duties. The provisions of the bill would authorize the commission to exercise its powers and perform its duties when a majority of the commission's current members are present, rather than a fixed number of nine members.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the existing law governing the Commission on Human Trafficking by addressing quorum requirements and membership provisions. Currently, the commission consists of 17 members from various government agencies, law enforcement, victim advocacy organizations, and includes representatives like a human trafficking survivor. The bill allows the commission to conduct business and exercise its powers when a majority of its current members are present, rather than requiring a fixed number of nine members, which had previously been difficult to achieve due to vacancies. The commission's key responsibilities remain unchanged, including evaluating human trafficking laws, reviewing victim assistance programs, promoting coordinated responses to human trafficking, and developing public awareness mechanisms. Members serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. The bill aims to ensure the commission can continue its important work of addressing human trafficking even when not all appointed members are present, thus preventing potential operational delays caused by strict quorum requirements.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 05/12/2025)

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