Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the penal law for the defense of prostitution crimes committed by victims of human trafficking.

Highlights:

• Amends the Penal Law to expand the affirmative defense to various prostitution crimes, where the defendant's conduct was a result of being a victim of sex trafficking, human trafficking, or impelled prostitution (Sec. 1).

• Requires an individual who was subjected to forced trafficking to be automatically considered a victim for engaging in prostitution or performing other illegal sex work (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that prosecutors only have to prove that a trafficker oversaw or profited from the sex work performed by a victim of trafficking instead of having to prove that the victim was coerced (Sec. 1).

• Requires the the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to provide victims of trafficking optional placement in short-term and long-term safe houses (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to enter into contracts with non-government organizations for providing services to victims of human trafficking (Sec. 3).

• Requires law enforcement, upon encountering an individual who reasonably appears to be or self-identifies as a victim of human trafficking, to inform them of the services available (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text