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SCR 129

Directs SCI to examine human trafficking activity at certain places of business.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Steinhardt and 1 co-sponsor

Directs SCI to probe potential human trafficking at registered massage/bodywork employers' locations with licensed therapists, and report findings within two years.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SCR 129

Summary of SCR 129: Directs SCI to examine human trafficking activity at certain places of business

Overview

SCR 129 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate on May 12, 2025. It directs the State Commission on Investigation (SCI) to investigate human trafficking activity at the business locations of massage and bodywork employers that are registered and whose therapists are licensed under New Jersey’s massage regulation framework. The resolution requires SCI to prepare and submit a report with findings and recommendations within two years, with potential for a delay of up to 120 days at the Attorney General’s request if trafficking or related wrongdoing is indicated.

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure enhanced scrutiny of potential human trafficking activity within the massage and bodywork sector, an area previously identified by national reports and NJ regulatory efforts as a potential point of concern.
  • To leverage SCI’s mandate to investigate matters affecting public safety and justice and to propose changes in law or enforcement mechanisms to more effectively address trafficking.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 – Commission directive

    • SCI is directed to investigate human trafficking activity at the places of business of employers of massage and bodywork therapists.
    • These employers are subject to registration, and therapists are subject to licensure under New Jersey statutes governing massage and bodywork.

  • Section 2 – Cooperation and information sharing

    • SCI must cooperate with the Attorney General, county prosecutors, or other law enforcement upon request.
    • SCI may consult and exchange information with law enforcement in other states about mutual trafficking concerns.
    • If information or evidence suggests a reasonable possibility of human trafficking or other crime, SCI must refer it to the Attorney General.

  • Section 3 – Reporting timeline and process

    • SCI must issue a report no later than two years after the resolution’s effective date, to the Governor and Legislature, with findings and recommendations.
    • If the report contains trafficking or criminal evidence, the AG may request a written notice at least seven days before issuance to be heard on objections, and issuance may be delayed up to 120 days at the AG’s request.

  • Section 4 – Effective date

    • The resolution takes effect immediately.

Affected entities

  • Massage and bodywork employers registered under NJ law.
  • Licensed massage and bodywork therapists.
  • Law enforcement agencies and the Attorney General.
  • The Governor and Legislature (as recipients of the final report).

Background and context

  • The resolution cites concerns about trafficking linked to massage parlors in the United States, including a 2018 Polaris Project report highlighting potential activity in the Northeast.
  • New Jersey’s regulatory framework involves licensing of therapists and registration of employers, with background checks and related oversight.

Status and related measures

  • Introduced in the Senate (SCR 129) and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • Related Assembly measure: Companion ACR 57.

Potential impact

  • Establishes a formal, time-bound SCI inquiry into trafficking risks in a specific, regulated sector.
  • Could lead to policy recommendations or legislative changes aimed at strengthening enforcement, licensing, or registration frameworks if trafficking concerns are substantiated.
  • Emphasizes interagency coordination with the AG and cross-state information sharing.

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

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