After earning approval from the Assembly today, Senator Jean Stanfield’s legislation to combat human trafficking is on the way to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

After earning approval from the Assembly today, Sen. Jean Stanfield’s legislation to combat human trafficking is on the way to the Governor’s desk for consideration. (©iStock)

The bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal (D-11), S-356/A3089, disqualifies any person convicted of human trafficking from operating a commercial motor vehicle. Endorsed by the Assembly today, the measure passed the Senate 39-0 on March 3.

“Box trucks, 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles are too often used to secretly shuttle victims to new locations or across state lines,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Human trafficking is a heinous crime conducted in the shadows of every region of our nation.

“This legislation will help prevent convicted traffickers from climbing back into truck cabs and transporting more victims into the hopelessness of the sex trade,” Stanfield said. “It is imperative that as legislators we do more to protect the victims of human trafficking.”

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, networks of traffickers frequently move their victims from city to city, “controlling them through confinement and complicated debt bondage schemes.”

The sex trade preys on vulnerable victims, mostly women of all ages who can become trapped in a dangerous web. Trucks and truck stops play a significant role in sustaining the illegal billion dollar industry.