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N.J. strengthens Human Trafficking Legislation before 2014 Superbowl

posted May 7, 2013, 6:13 AM by Saul Castellanos   [ updated May 7, 2013, 6:18 AM ]

photo credit Bob Jegendorf
May 6, 2013 
A bill sponsored to create strengthened Human Trafficking laws ahead of the 2014 Superbowl is signed into legislation by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.  The bill has several provisions including:
1) penalties for publishers who fail to verify that advertisers are minors 
2) establishing "john schools" to educate them on exploitation
3) a provision to vacate convictions (compelled by traffickers) for victims of trafficking. 

 This new legislation applies both to victims of labor and sex trafficking.
photo credit:  Bob Jagendorf

Feb 21 New Mexico Proposes Raising Penalties for Human Trafficking

posted Feb 21, 2013, 8:05 AM by Saul Castellanos   [ updated May 7, 2013, 6:23 AM ]

NEW MEXICO -  Governor. Susana Martinez is proposing legislation to increase penalties for human trafficking which is currently headed to the Senate for debate and consideration.


This proposed legislation would make it  a first-degree felony for human trafficking in cases where the victim was under the age of 16. Convictions for this crime could include a basic sentence of 18 years in imprisonment.   This is double the current  penalty because the crime is proposed being increased from a  lesser felony.


Included is a provision for convictions of Human Trafficking if the victim is older than 16 years of age.  In this case the proposed legislation would  triple the current penalty to nine years in prison.  This bill was unanimously approved by the House on Friday before being sent to the Senate for debate.


Governor Martinez pointed out that it is common for people to think of Human Trafficking as an overseas issue, rather than something that happens in New Mexico.

photo credit: Steve Terrell


State of Texas Senate Bill 532

posted Feb 13, 2013, 2:08 PM by Saul Castellanos

Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Representative Senfronia Thompson file Omnibus Human Trafficking Legislation.

Among the bill's major provisions:

  • Extends the criminal statute of limitations for offenses involving compelling prostitution of a minor.
  • Makes trafficking survivors eligible to receive reimbursement for relocation expenses under the Crime Victims' Compensation Act.
  • Includes survivors of human trafficking-related offenses as eligible participants in the Address Confidentiality Program.
  • Resolves some conflicting statutes related to human trafficking.
Read the original Press Release HERE

Welcome to Traffick Central

posted Feb 13, 2013, 12:17 PM by Saul Castellanos   [ updated Feb 13, 2013, 11:31 PM ]

Why Abraham Lincoln?  Some people have  asked "why is Abe Lincoln's face on this Human Trafficking site?"  Abraham Lincoln would be the single most associated person in the world with ending slavery.   Those of us who are working as abolitionists against Human Trafficking or what is commonly referred to as "modern-day slavery" can appreciate the Lincoln reference.

Welcome to Traffick Central!  Even though there are many organizations out there working to  combat Human Trafficking, most of the time our energies exist as totally separate forces in this cause.  Traffick Central was created to be a useful reference and resource for those who have a personal passion for this issue, and for the many organizations who are dedicated to this cause. Mostly, it was created as a way to find out what each other is doing and discover opportunities to combine energies.

Over time this site will become more robust with content, data, and resources that will help us in our work.  In order for this to happen, it  will require all of you to take ownership in determining what kinds of content we should include in this site.  You will notice there are links throughout this site for you to add events, organizations and news to this site. We would encourage you to participate in the continued development of this resource.  In addition, we would like to offer you an opportunity to be  a guest  columnist on this blog.  If you have an announcement,  information or news that would be of interest and value to your peers we would like to provide you with this forum.

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