NY trafficking bill sparked by Turn to Tara passes Legislature, heads to governor's desk
The legislation will create stiff financial penalties for hotels and motels that fail to post human trafficking hotline information as required under state law.
More Stories
Legislation that was written in direct response to a Turn To Tara investigation into human trafficking has now passed both houses of the New York state Legislature, clearing the way for Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.
The legislation will create stiff financial penalties for hotels and motels that fail to post human trafficking hotline information as required under state law.
The measure was drafted by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin in direct response to News 12's yearslong trafficking in the tri-state coverage that exposed widespread non-compliance in the hospitality industry.
The Turn To Tara team found that more than 80% of the 105 local hotels and motels that were visited were ignoring a law that was designed to help victims escape their exploiters - and giving the state an enforcement tool it previously did not have.
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says fighting human trafficking is a top priority, and she was stunned by what News 12's investigation revealed.
"Well, it was outrage," she said. "And obviously, it results in further legislation that will now hit the industry in their pocketbooks should they not adhere."
Supporters on both sides of the aisle now hope the bill's passage sends a loud message that the state is committed to helping survivors and holding businesses accountable.
The bill now awaits Hochul's signature.
In an exclusive interview earlier this year, Hochul made it clear she is prepared to sign it into law.
"Human trafficking is abhorrent. I will be on board with whatever it takes to protect these individuals and to shut down the people who abuse them," she said.
Paulin says the bill's passage is proof that hyperlocal investigative journalism can lead to real change.
"There's no question without your exposing the issue, we wouldn't be here. So, we thank you so much," she said.
RELATED STORIES:
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
