TRENTON – The Senate today passed Senators Vin Gopal and Troy Singleton's legislation to expand the scope of the state's existing human trafficking laws. The bill expands the definition of human trafficking to include individuals who receive a "financial benefit" from participating in the crime but are not the operation's organizers, supervisors, or managers.

"This legislation closes a loophole in our human trafficking laws by ensuring that individuals who financially benefit from these crimes are held accountable," said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). "By expanding the statute to include those who profit from human trafficking without necessarily being an organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager, we are strengthening protections for victims and reinforcing New Jersey’s commitment to combating human trafficking."

"We've seen a disturbing uptick in human trafficking across the country and, unfortunately, here in New Jersey," said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). "By expanding the law to include those who financially benefit from trafficking, we're going after an important part of the network that enables these crimes and ensuring that they are being held accountable."

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the number of people prosecuted for human trafficking offenses has more than doubled in the past decade, highlighting the growing recognition of this issue. New Jersey is considered a "hub" for trafficking activity, given its strategic location between major metropolitan areas, making it a key target for law enforcement efforts. With New Jersey set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this legislation takes on added importance, ensuring the state is prepared to address the increased risks of human trafficking that often accompany large-scale events.

Strengthening our laws now will help protect vulnerable individuals and support law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking during this global event and beyond.

The bill passed in a 38-0 vote.