Executive Summary
- Legislation to combat human trafficking cleared the NJ Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on December 1.
- The bill creates a Governor’s Survivor Leader Advisory Council to review laws and programs.
- Sponsored by Senators Teresa Ruiz and Brian Stack, the measure aligns with security prep for the 2026 World Cup.
A New Jersey state Senate committee has advanced legislation designed to bolster efforts against human trafficking as the region prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The measure, which aims to increase public awareness and coordinate statewide responses, moved forward following a review by lawmakers.
Sponsored by State Senators Teresa Ruiz and Brian Stack, the bill proposes the establishment of a Governor’s Survivor Leader Advisory Council. According to the text of the legislation, this council would be tasked with evaluating current laws, reviewing existing support programs, and creating new initiatives to combat trafficking effectively. The goal is to promote a coordinated response among agencies while developing mechanisms to heighten public vigilance.
The bill officially cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on December 1. This legislative movement represents a component of the broader security and public safety preparations required for hosting the global tournament, which is expected to bring a massive influx of visitors to the region.
Legislative Impact & Security Outlook
The advancement of this bill highlights the proactive measures state officials are implementing to mitigate the specific transnational crime risks associated with major international sporting events. Large-scale gatherings such as the World Cup often present elevated risks for labor and sex trafficking due to increased tourism and temporary economic activity. By integrating a council of survivor leaders into the oversight process, the state is signaling a shift toward a victim-centered approach in its public safety strategy prior to the 2026 games.
