Pennsylvania Act 2024-7 — NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE CENTER HOTLINE NOTIFICATION ACT - VICTIM SERVICES

Act text

Session of 2024

No. 2024-7

SB 45

AN ACT

Amending the act of October 25, 2012 (P.L.1618, No.197), entitled "An act providing for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Notification Act; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and prescribing penalties," further providing for victim services.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Section 9 of the act of October 25, 2012 (P.L.1618, No.197), known as the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Notification Act, is amended to read:

Section 9. Victim services.

(a) Development of plan.--To the extent that Federal or State funds are available, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency shall develop a plan for a coordinated response system, in consultation with other appropriate government agencies, including law enforcement, nongovernmental organizations and victim advocacy groups to provide victims of [trafficking under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 30 (relating to trafficking of persons)] human trafficking, as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3001 (relating to definitions), with the following services:

(1) Appropriate housing, taking into account the victim's status as a victim of [an offense enumerated under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3002 (relating to trafficking of persons)] human trafficking and including safe conditions for sleeping, food and personal hygiene.

(2) Psychological counseling.

(3) Medical assistance, including confidential testing for sexually transmitted diseases and the human immunodeficiency virus.

(4) Substance abuse counseling.

(5) Child care.

(6) Access to employment, educational and training opportunities.

(7) Legal assistance and case management.

(8) Social case management, including information about and help with access to victim services.

(b) Condition.--Housing services provided under subsection (a)(1) must ensure that, to the extent possible, the victim of human trafficking is not held in a detention facility.

Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

APPROVED--The 15th day of April, A.D. 2024.

JOSH SHAPIRO