Hochul signs human trafficking legislation sponsored by Kaplan

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation this week sponsored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-North Hills) and Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) to combat human trafficking and help give victims an opportunity to escape their captors by prominently displaying the human trafficking hotline and other resources in bus terminal and airport restrooms.

Kaplan said, “No community is immune to the scourge of human trafficking, and it’s critical that we do everything we can to give victims the opportunity to escape their captors and survive the trauma they’ve been forced to endure. Prominently displaying the national human trafficking hotline in places where victims will see it is a common-sense way to help a person in need, and it will help raise awareness of the problem among members of the public who might be able to step in and help. I’m proud to partner with Assemblymember Amy Paulin on legislation that will require the posting of victims’ resources in airports and bus terminals, and I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in signing the bills into law.”

Airports and bus terminals are known hubs used to traffic victims, and as a result, they are an ideal location to provide information about victim services. Many victims are heavily supervised and controlled while in transit, preventing them from safely seeking help or finding resources for fear of retaliation.

Restrooms are often the only place a human trafficking victim finds themselves separated from their captor, and by having victim services informational signs or cards posted in all restrooms, victims will have easy access to information that can help them escape their situations.

The new laws will take effect in 60 days.