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Special Act 04-8, An Act Establishing An Interagency Task Force On Trafficking In Persons
Summary
The law appoints the chairperson from the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) and various other state agencies to participate on the task force. It also requires the PCSW staff to provide the necessary support services to the task force. These services may include: data collection and analysis; investigating models; evaluating and measuring the state progress; identifying available local, state and federal programs; evaluate approaches in increasing public awareness; analyze existing state criminal statutes; and consulting with both governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Public Act 06-43, An Act Concerning Trafficking In Persons
Summary
This law creates the felony crime of trafficking in persons. It applies to those who coerce others to engage in prostitution or work. It authorizes the state to charge traffickers with racketeering and to seize property related to the crime when there is a pattern of such activity. It allows people charged with prostitution to avoid conviction by proving that they were acting because of a trafficker's coercion. The law also allows (1) the attorney general to sue employers who knowingly employ victims and (2) victims to sue traffickers for money damages.
This law requires the Task Force to implement public awareness strategies. It must also identify criteria for providing victim services and address access to rights, benefits, and services for trafficking victims, including: medical and related professional services, legal services and protections, safe housing and shelter, voluntary repatriation, victim compensation, and protection while in custody.
The law appropriates $ 75,000 each for training programs and witness protection services and $ 25,000 for shelter and victim services.
Public Act 07-107, An Act Establishing a Trafficking in Persons Council
Summary
This law creates a 26-member Trafficking in Persons Council, chaired and convened by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW). The Council will consult with government and non-governmental organizations to develop recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent trafficking, protect and assist victims, and prosecute traffickers; identify criteria for providing services to adult trafficking victims and their children; and provide updates and progress reports on trafficking prevention efforts and victim assistance.
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Permanent Commission on the
Status
of Women 18-20 Trinity Street Hartford, CT 06106 |
