New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1211

Introduced
2/3/22  
Refer
2/3/22  
Report Pass
2/13/23  
Engrossed
6/20/23  
Refer
6/22/23  
Report Pass
12/4/23  
Enrolled
12/7/23  
Chaptered
1/8/24  

Caption

Provides for civil actions against persons or entities profiting from commission of human trafficking offenses, or maintaining victims of such offenses.

Impact

The introduction of SB 1211 marks a significant modification to New Jersey's legal framework surrounding human trafficking. It specifically allows victims, or those injured as a result of trafficking offenses, to seek damages from parties that enable or profit from such exploitation. The bill's approval could potentially lead to greater financial repercussions for businesses and individuals participating indirectly in trafficking activities, reinforcing the state's commitment to combating this serious issue. Moreover, by empowering victims, the bill aims to facilitate their recovery and provide more robust support mechanisms.

Summary

Senate Bill 1211 aims to provide enhanced legal avenues for victims of human trafficking by allowing them to file civil actions against individuals or entities that knowingly profit from human trafficking offenses or maintain victims of such offenses. The bill expands existing legal frameworks and introduces provisions for holding third parties accountable, even if they are not directly involved in the trafficking but benefit from it. This shift seeks to strengthen the legal tools available to combat human trafficking and support victims more robustly.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support as a necessary measure to fight human trafficking in New Jersey, there may be concerns about its implementation and efficacy. Critics might argue that the broad definitions of who can be held liable could lead to unintended consequences, such as holding businesses responsible for actions beyond their control. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the potential complexities and challenges that victims might face when navigating the civil legal process, even with expanded provisions for recovery.

Companion Bills

NJ A1222

Same As Provides for civil actions against persons or entities profiting from commission of human trafficking offenses, or maintaining victims of such offenses.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1222

Provides for civil actions against persons or entities profiting from commission of human trafficking offenses, or maintaining victims of such offenses.

NJ S3966

Eliminates statute of limitations for human trafficking prosecutions and extends statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking.

NJ A4966

Eliminates statute of limitations for kidnapping and human trafficking prosecutions, and extends statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking.

NJ SB727

Human trafficking: civil actions.

NJ HB445

Human Trafficking & Sex Offenders

NJ SB24

Relating to the prosecution, punishment, and certain criminal and civil consequences of offenses involving or related to the trafficking of persons and to certain protections for victims of those offenses.

NJ HB7

Relating to the prosecution, punishment, and certain criminal and civil consequences of offenses involving or related to the trafficking of persons and to certain protections for victims of those offenses.

NJ SB2321

Human trafficking; create civil cause of action for engaging in or benefitting from.

NJ SB512

Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund Commission; create

NJ S3782

Establishes affirmative defense to prosecution for any crime committed by victim of human trafficking under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

CA SB35

Human trafficking: California ACTS Task Force.

CA AB2020

Survivors of Human Trafficking Support Act.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

CA AB1735

Evidence: privileges: human trafficking caseworker-victim privilege.

NJ A4306

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

CA AB2843

Regional Task Forces Against Human Trafficking Grant Program.

HI HB867

Relating To Sex Trafficking Prevention.

HI HB867

Relating To Sex Trafficking Prevention.