ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5303

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 13, 2025

      The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5303.

      This bill requires the Attorney General to review the Statewide policy regarding the investigation of human trafficking.

      Currently, Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2012-2 sets forth standards and procedures for the investigation of human trafficking.

      Under the provisions of this bill, upon the review of the policy, the Attorney General is required to consider and address: 1) whether  the use of audio or video recording by law enforcement officers conducting undercover investigations of human trafficking would protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the proper treatment of victims of human trafficking; 2) the implementation of strict policies for dissemination of the audio or video recording, if used, in order to protect victims of human trafficking; 3) the involvement of county prosecutors at the beginning of and throughout human trafficking investigations conducted by county or municipal law enforcement officers in order to address legal challenges as they arise; and 4) any other areas, as determined by the Attorney General.

      This bill is in response to the Commission of Investigation report released on October 17, 2024, entitled “An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey.”