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Bill

SD 2191

An Act to strengthen laws combatting human trafficking and protecting survivors of modern-day slavery

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

Massachusetts strengthens anti-trafficking laws by expanding survivor protections and enforcement mechanisms to combat human slavery and modern trafficking.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 2191

Legislative bill overview

SD 2191 strengthens Massachusetts' legal framework against human trafficking and modern slavery by expanding protections for survivors and enhancing law enforcement tools. The bill appears to address gaps in existing anti-trafficking statutes, though specific provisions require review of the full text. It represents a legislative effort to address trafficking as both a criminal and humanitarian issue.

Why is this important

Human trafficking generates billions in illegal proceeds annually and affects thousands of victims across the U.S. and Massachusetts. Strengthening survivor protections and enforcement mechanisms can improve victim identification, support access, and prosecution rates while reducing retraumatization. This legislation signals commitment to treating trafficking as a priority crime requiring coordinated legal and social responses.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of survivor protections: Disagreement may arise over which benefits survivors receive (housing, healthcare, immigration status), with fiscal implications and varying definitions of "survivor"
  • Law enforcement powers: Expanded investigative tools or surveillance authorities for trafficking cases could face privacy concerns or criticism about potential overuse
  • Victim vs. criminal distinctions: Balancing how trafficking victims involved in illegal activity are treated legally—decriminalization versus prosecution immunity debates

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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