Bill Overview
Title: Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This act reauthorizes, updates, and expands federal efforts to address domestic trafficking, including to make permanent the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking; reauthorize various grants, activities, and programs that support victims of domestic trafficking; and expand research and reporting related to trafficking. TITLE I--COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES Subtitle A--Programs To Support Young Victims Who Are Vulnerable To Human Trafficking (Sec. 101) This section authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), to award competitive grants to support collaboration between state child-welfare and juvenile-justice agencies to address the needs of dual-status youth and their families. The term dual-status youth means children who come into contact with both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. (Sec. 102) This section makes permanent the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. (Sec. 103) This section establishes a pilot program to provide funding for community-based organizations in underserved communities to support youth at risk of being trafficked. Subtitle B--Governmental Efforts To Prevent Human Trafficking (Sec. 121) This section requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on federal contract supply chain oversight related to the prevention of trafficking in persons. (Sec. 122) This section expresses the sense of Congress that federal agencies should incorporate a module on human trafficking into staff training requirements; the training should teach employees how to prevent, identify, and report trafficking in persons; and agencies should inform all candidates for employment about the anti-trafficking provisions in the code of conduct of the agency. Additionally, this section requires officers and employees of executive branch agencies to be subject to minimum standards with respect to human trafficking, including a prohibition on engaging in human trafficking while employed by the federal government. (Sec. 123) This section requires the GAO to (1) study the accessibility of mental health services and substance use disorder treatment and recovery for survivors of human trafficking in the United States of various ages, and (2) report to Congress on the findings of the study and recommendations for increased accessibility and affordability for survivors of trafficking. (Sec. 124) This section directs the National Science Foundation to support merit-reviewed and competitively awarded research on the impact of online social media platforms on the maintenance or expansion of human trafficking. Subtitle C--Monitoring Child, Forced, and Slave Labor (Sec. 131) This section requires federal agencies and departments that receive appropriations to award anti-trafficking grants to report on obligations and expenditures of federal funds for the purpose of combating human trafficking and forced labor. (Sec. 132) This section expresses the sense of Congress that companies headquartered or doing business in the United States that are not small business concerns (e.g., companies with 500 or more employees) should adopt a written policy that prohibits trafficking in persons. (Sec. 133) This section revises criteria for considering a child to be a victim of child abuse and neglect and of sexual abuse. Specifically, it provides that a child shall be considered a victim of child abuse and neglect and of sexual abuse if the child is identified as being a victim of human trafficking. Currently, a child is considered a victim of child abuse and neglect and of sexual abuse if the child is identified as being a victim of sex trafficking or a victim of severe forms of trafficking in persons. (Sec. 134) This section establishes the sense of Congress that (1) DOJ has failed to meet its reporting requirements under Title IV of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017, and (2) progress on critical data collection about human trafficking and crime reporting is in jeopardy as a result of the failure and must be addressed immediately. (Sec. 135) This section expresses the sense of Congress that (1) a person is qualified as a victim of child sex trafficking if the person is a victim, as a child, of human trafficking; and (2) all states and territories should evaluate whether to eliminate the requirement for third-party control to properly qualify a child as a victim of sex trafficking. (Sec. 136) This section expresses the sense of Congress that each state child welfare agency should report information on missing or abducted foster children and youth to the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and to law enforcement for inclusion in the National Crime Information Center database. (Sec. 137) This section modifies the requirements for state plans for foster care and adoption assistance. The section specifies that the plans must require state child welfare agencies that report information on missing or abducted foster children and youth to the NCMEC and to law enforcement authorities to maintain regular communication and share information with the NCMEC and law enforcement agencies to provide a safe recovery of a missing or abducted child or youth. This includes sharing, where reasonably possible, a photo of the missing or abducted child or youth, a description of the child's physical features, and other health or risk factors (e.g., pregnancy status or vulnerability to being sex trafficked). TITLE II--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS This title reauthorizes activities and programs at various federal departments and agencies that support victims of trafficking in the United States. (Sec. 201) This section reauthorizes through FY2028 HHS and DOJ grants and programs to expand benefits and services to citizens and lawful permanent residents who are victims of severe forms of trafficking; Department of Labor activities to expand benefits and programs for victims of severe forms of trafficking; and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to investigate severe forms of trafficking in persons, including to establish a labor trafficking investigations team within DHS. (Sec. 202) This section authorizes amounts through FY2028 for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to strengthen enforcement of the prohibition on importing any product that was mined, produced, or manufactured by forced labor.
Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: People who are victims of human trafficking
Estimated Size: 400000
- Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions of people.
- Victims of trafficking include individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.
- The legislation aims to support victims and prevent trafficking through various programs and activities.
- The importance of combating trafficking is recognized internationally, affecting nations worldwide.
Reasoning
- The selected sample should represent victims and potential victims of trafficking, as well as unaffected individuals to show differential impact.
- Due to the policy's budget, direct aid will likely be prioritized for those most severely affected or at risk; others may see indirect benefits or no impact at all.
- The range of wellbeing scores should show potential improvements in mental health and stability for victims due to policy support, but remain unchanged for unaffected individuals.
- The majority of direct beneficiaries will be individuals currently affected by or at high risk of trafficking; however, the policy also includes preventative measures that could potentially impact those not yet affected.
- While funding is substantial, it covers not just direct aid but infrastructure, education, and systemic improvements, affecting projected outcomes depending on prioritization.
Simulated Interviews
Waitress (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will provide more support and options for people like me.
- I've struggled to find stable housing and steady work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nonprofit Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization is crucial. We need continuous funding to keep shelters open.
- I'm hopeful it will allow for increased resources.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Unemployed (Miami, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm eager for any help to rebuild my life; I've been through too much.
- Programs that help with job skills and mental health would be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The continued funding is necessary to improve our response and victim support capacity.
- A larger budget would allow for better training and resource allocation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preventative measures are just as crucial as support for victims.
- I'm glad to see educational programs included in the plan.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (New York, NY)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital that we continue to fund anti-trafficking efforts.
- As a future professional in the field, this law reauthorization boosts morale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Tech Industry Professional (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not personally affected, but I support policies that improve community safety.
- I believe this is a good use of government resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law is a needed reinforcement, though it must be paired with community action.
- I'm optimistic this could reduce cases regionally if implemented well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Part-time Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Living in a risky neighborhood makes me uneasy, hoping this policy helps prevent local issues.
- Safety measures included in the plan sound promising.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s important to support initiatives that also offer employment to vulnerable individuals.
- I’m pleased to see economic support elements highlighted.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $280000000)
Year 2: $260000000 (Low: $230000000, High: $290000000)
Year 3: $270000000 (Low: $240000000, High: $300000000)
Year 5: $290000000 (Low: $260000000, High: $320000000)
Year 10: $310000000 (Low: $280000000, High: $340000000)
Year 100: $400000000 (Low: $370000000, High: $430000000)
Key Considerations
- The accurate identification and quantification of human trafficking victims remain challenging.
- Legislative success hinges on appropriate fund allocation and inter-agency cooperation.
- Public perspective and awareness about trafficking significantly impact prevention effectiveness.