Investigation into legislation: Human trafficking bill drafted in response to Turn To Tara report advances to NY Senate
The New York State Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would stiffen the penalties for hotels and motels that break the state's trafficking laws, requiring them to post hotline signage inside all their properties.
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New legislation that was drafted in direct response to a yearlong Turn To Tara investigation into human trafficking is moving ahead in Albany.
The New York State Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would stiffen the penalties for hotels and motels that break the state's trafficking laws, requiring them to post hotline signage inside all their properties.
Last year, the Turn To Tara team visited more than 100 hotels across the tri-state area and found that more than 80% of them were ignoring the law.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who sponsored the bill, expressed relief and excitement after the vote.
Paulin's bill now moves to the state Senate for a vote before heading to the governor's desk.
If it's signed into law, hotels would face a $500 fine for the first offense, $1,000 for the second.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are celebrating the advancement of the bill.
"And you know, human trafficking is a serious issue and we cannot just bury our heads in the sand over it. And this, I think, is going to provide that clarity, but also make sure hotels are in compliance with the intent of the law," says Yorktown Republican Assemblyman Matt Slater.
The bill now heads to the state senate for a vote and will need final approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE:
Turn to Tara yearlong investigation finds hotels ignoring trafficking law
Turn to Tara: Human trafficking survivor describes 2-decade nightmare
Turn to Tara trafficking investigation provokes bipartisan push for changes
Westchester DA on ‘Trafficking in the Tri-State’ investigation: ‘Things have to change’
Anti-trafficking bill written in response to Turn To Tara investigation heads to committee
NY officials vow action on enforcement gap exposed in Turn To Tara trafficking probe
