ASSEMBLY COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[Second Reprint]

SENATE, No. 3528

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 5, 2026

      The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3528 (2R).

The bill requires the Commission on Human Trafficking (commission) to issue a report to the Governor and Legislature related to anti-trafficking efforts the State may undertake as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  The commission is required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature with its findings and recommendations related to the increased risk of human trafficking during the World Cup.  The report is required to be filed not later than 180 days after the bill’s effective date.

     The bill requires the commission to evaluate existing law, review existing programs or create new initiatives, promote a coordinated response, and develop mechanisms to increase public awareness of the rise of human trafficking in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  The bill requires the commission to develop for distribution a public awareness campaign and signage related to the risk of human trafficking prior to and during the World Cup, and requires any entity or business which is currently required to post signage related to human trafficking to also post public awareness signage related to the World Cup.

The bill creates the Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Advisory Council (council) within the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance.  The council is required to consult with and advise the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance and the commission by providing victim perspectives on issues related to human trafficking and the World Cup.

     The council consists of at least seven members, but not more than 11 members, appointed by the Attorney General.  Under the bill, the Attorney General is required to give due consideration to persons recommended by the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Each member is required to:

     (1)  be a survivor of human trafficking;

     (2)  have experience with developing or enforcing anti-trafficking policies; and

     (3)  have experience with providing assistance and services to victims of human trafficking. 

     The council is required to hold at least eight meetings per year, until the issuance of the report.  As amended, the bill requires the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Services to provide staff support to the council.

     The bill requires the Attorney General to issue directives to law enforcement and prosecuting agencies in the State related to the identification of and response to the increased risk of human trafficking crimes prior to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 3528 (2R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 4432, as that bill was also amended and reported by the committee on this date.