TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate on Monday unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal and Troy Singleton to expand the state’s human trafficking laws by including individuals who profit financially from trafficking, even if they are not directly organizing or managing the operation.

The bill broadens the definition of human trafficking to hold accountable those who receive a financial benefit from such crimes without necessarily being an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager.

“This legislation closes a loophole in our human trafficking laws by ensuring that individuals who financially benefit from these crimes are held accountable,” said Gopal (D-Monmouth). “By expanding the statute, 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 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.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecutions for human trafficking have more than doubled over the past decade. New Jersey’s strategic location between major metropolitan areas has made it a hub for trafficking activity, drawing increased attention from law enforcement.

With the state set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of strengthening trafficking laws to address risks often associated with large-scale events.

The bill passed the Senate in a 38-0 vote and now heads to the Assembly for consideration.

Original Article