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Special Committee on Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is frequently referred to as "modern-day slavery." Thousands of people – often women and children – are taken from their families and forced into hard labor or prostitution by human traffickers. They are often threatened and physically abused, and issues such as immigration status can render some victims especially vulnerable to intimidation. Many people are not aware of the magnitude of the problem in the United States, and even here in New York State.

The 2007 Human Trafficking Law established the crimes of sex trafficking and labor trafficking in New York State, and strengthened other areas of the penal law in an attempt to stem trafficking. The Special Committee on Human Trafficking will consider additional initiatives related to education, training, provision of legal services and coordination of resources for victims, as well as effective prosecution of traffickers. The committee will consider both international and domestic trafficking issues, and produce a report and recommendations to address human trafficking in New York State.