HB 148

Abstract

Department of Social Services; human traffickingservices. Adds to the responsibilities of the Department of SocialServices certain duties related to human trafficking prevention andvictim support. The bill requires the Department, among other things,to develop a tiered certification system for programs that provideservices to victims of human trafficking, which shall consider (i)whether the program is accredited by a nationally recognized credentialingentity; (ii) the program's services, practices, governance, organizationalstructure, leadership, financial management, and compliance history;and (iii) any other criteria deemed relevant by the Department. The bill also authorizes the Department, subject to regulations of theBoard of Social Services and the availability of state or federalfunds, to receive state and federal funds for services to victimsof human trafficking; disburse funds through matching grants to localpublic or private nonprofit agencies to provide service programsfor the victims of human trafficking; and develop and implement grantmechanisms for funding such local services.