Senator James Sanders Jr. and the Senate Majority Pass Legislation to Combat Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

Senator James Sanders Jr. and the Senate Democratic Majority advanced a legislative package to support survivors of domestic violence and combat human trafficking in New York State that builds on the Senate Democratic Majority’s continued work to provide greater protections for those impacted by domestic violence and the horrors of human trafficking.

Senate Bill 672, introduced by Senator Sanders, passed the Senate yesterday 63-0.This bill will allow victims to recover greater damages from their perpetrators and allow them to be made as close to whole as possible. This legislation extends the statute of limitations from 10 years to 15 years to give human trafficking victims more time to file a civil cause of action. Senator Sanders said “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that should be disincentivized in every way possible.”

Others bills that passed yesterday in the Senate that Senator Sanders voted in favor of relieve survivors of domestic violence from utility contracts, expands eligibility for the “Non-Parent” Grant, seizes firearms from perpetrators, expands the statute of limitations on domestic violence claims, aids prosecutors in identifying repeat offenders, and protects the voting records of victims of sexual and domestic violence.

In addition, this legislative package requires public posting of human trafficking information, mandates state contractors to submit human trafficking prevention statements, expands the statute of limitations on human trafficking claims, and establishes human trafficking recognition training for all lodging employees. This package also includes legislation to enact the “New York State Transparency in Supply Chains Act,” increase the legal marriage age to 18 and classify clergy members as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and maltreatment.