Bill Overview
Title: NTZ Act
Description: This bill establishes an enhanced penalty—an additional prison term of up to five years—for certain interstate human trafficking offenses or coercion of sexual activity that occurs in a school zone or on or within 1,000 feet of a premises on which a school-sponsored activity is taking place or of a premises owned by an institution of higher education.
Sponsors: Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in human trafficking globally
Estimated Size: 1000000
- Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions of people.
- The NTZ Act specifically targets activities related to trafficking near educational institutions, which suggests a focus on urban and suburban areas with such facilities.
- The enhanced penalties are likely to impact traffickers and those coerced into illegal activities near schools.
- Increasing legal penalties can deter traffickers who act near educational institutions, thereby indirectly benefiting vulnerable populations group frequent in those environments like students, faculty, and staff.
Reasoning
- Given the policy's focus on deterring human trafficking near educational institutions, it is reasonable to include individuals from urban and suburban settings where such institutions are prevalent.
- The budget constraints indicate that while there is coverage for significant legal proceedings and law enforcement activities, the reach of the policy might be limited to areas with dense populations and higher incidences of trafficking cases.
- We include a mix of people directly affected by trafficking as well as those peripherally impacted, such as educators, students, and local residents.
- We expect varying degrees of impact, with some individuals experiencing a significant change in well-being due to increased safety, while others might see little to no change if they are not directly or indirectly affected by trafficking activities.
- Consideration for law enforcement and legal professionals is included as their roles might change with the policy implementation.
Simulated Interviews
High School Teacher (New York City, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could make our neighborhoods safer for students.
- Enhanced penalties near schools might deter traffickers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will make our campus feel safer.
- Would like more awareness on the issue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Police Officer (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives us more leverage in deterring traffickers.
- It's crucial for protecting vulnerable school areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could help us reduce trafficking near schools that we serve.
- The additional penalties are a positive step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
School Principal (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The law is a good deterrent.
- I think more needs to be done after penalties are enhanced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This makes me feel the government is working on important issues.
- Penalties are a step in the right direction but need comprehensive action.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Rural Iowa)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seems like a necessary measure, even if it doesn't directly affect our area.
- I support actions that make schools safer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Lawyer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased penalties can help, but legal aid and support for victims are key.
- There is a need for a holistic approach to tackling trafficking.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Freshman (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The NTZ Act seems like a promising start for safer school zones.
- It's reassuring to see action being taken.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public Defender (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While increasing penalties might help, we should be careful about its implications on marginalized communities.
- Focus should also be on prevention and rehabilitation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 2: $42000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $52000000)
Year 3: $44000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $54000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $39000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $60000000 (Low: $47000000, High: $75000000)
Year 100: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination between different law enforcement bodies will be crucial for effective implementation.
- Review and updates on school zones may be required to encompass new educational facilities.
- Consideration of potential impacts on marginalized communities affected by trafficking should be prioritized.