Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB45

Introduced
6/20/23  
Refer
6/20/23  
Refer
6/28/23  
Report Pass
6/28/23  
Engrossed
6/29/23  
Refer
6/30/23  
Refer
3/20/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Enrolled
4/10/24  
Chaptered
4/15/24  

Caption

Further providing for victim services.

Impact

If enacted, SB45 will significantly strengthen the legal framework for supporting victims of human trafficking in Pennsylvania. The measure mandates the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to develop a plan for implementing comprehensive services tailored to trafficking victims. This includes provisions for safe housing, healthcare, and legal support, which are crucial for facilitating recovery and reintegration into society. The bill underscores a commitment to ensuring that victims are not placed in detention facilities, recognizing their status as victims rather than offenders.

Summary

Senate Bill 45, introduced in Pennsylvania, aims to enhance existing victim services under the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Notification Act. The bill, which proposes amendments to the act of October 25, 2012, emphasizes the need for a coordinated response system that includes collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. The services outlined in the bill focus on providing essential support to victims of human trafficking, including housing, psychological counseling, medical assistance, and access to employment and educational opportunities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB45 appears to be positive, with broad support for measures that enhance victim services and address the challenges faced by human trafficking survivors. Advocates for victims' rights have lauded the bill for its focus on comprehensive support systems that prioritize the well-being of victims. However, discussions may have highlighted the need for adequate funding and resources to implement these enhanced services effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of state or federal funds to support the proposed services, as well as varying opinions on how best to coordinate responses among agencies involved in victim assistance. The bill reflects a holistic approach to addressing human trafficking, which could lead to debates about the most effective methods for prevention and victim support across Pennsylvania.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB256

Further providing for required posting.

PA HB210

Further providing for required posting.

PA HB1286

Further providing for definitions; providing for training requirements for public lodging establishments and for training requirements for third-party listing platforms and rental operators; further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

PA HB2455

Further providing for definitions; providing for training regarding public lodging establishments and for training regarding third-party listing platforms; and further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties.

PA SB44

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for the offense of trafficking in individuals and for the offense of patronizing a victim of sexual servitude; in minors, further providing for unlawful contact with minor; and, in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for definitions and for persons eligible to apply.

PA HB1782

In human trafficking, further providing for civil causes of action; in minors, further providing for sexual abuse of children; in computer offenses, further providing for definitions, for duty of Internet service provider and for application for order to remove or disable items; in child protective services, further providing for Task Force on Child Pornography; in recidivism risk reduction incentive, further providing for definitions; in Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for short sentence parole; and making an editorial change.

PA SB1299

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for victim protection during prosecution and for safe harbor for sexually exploited children; in sex trafficking and missing and abducted children, further providing for county responsibilities; in juvenile matters, further providing for dependency in lieu of delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA SB143

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for victim protection during prosecution and for safe harbor for sexually exploited children; in sex trafficking and missing and abducted children, further providing for county responsibilities; in juvenile matters, further providing for dependency in lieu of delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB584

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in services, further providing for establishment of basic services for victims of crime.

PA SB920

Further providing for definitions; providing for sexual assault evidence tracking system; further providing for rights of sexual assault victims and for report by Pennsylvania State Police; and providing for waiver for victim.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.