WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4320

Extends the pilot program to examine the effects of waiving the state civil service examination fee

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby and 3 co-sponsors

Extends the Commission on Human Trafficking to operate with a majority of current members, easing actions during vacancies while evaluating laws and improving victim services.

REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4320

Summary: S 4320 – Extends the pilot program to examine the effects of waiving the state civil service examination fee

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends P.L.2013, c.51 to modify the operation of the Commission on Human Trafficking, enhancing its ability to perform duties by adjusting quorum requirements.
  • It seeks to ensure the commission can act with fewer vacancies, by allowing a majority of the commission’s current membership to exercise its powers and duties, rather than requiring nine members (the fixed majority of the 17-member body).

Key provisions

  • Creates/updates the Commission on Human Trafficking within the Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Law and Public Safety, with a 17-member body including specified state officials, prosecutors, public members (including a survivor and a child advocacy representative), and experts with experience in civil, criminal, health, or victim services related to trafficking.
  • Public members must have relevant background or expertise in legal, policy, educational, social, or psychological aspects of human trafficking.
  • Terms (for the first appointments) are staggered:
    • Three-year terms for some members; two-year terms for others.
    • After initial terms, members serve three-year terms.
  • Quorum and organization:
    • The commission shall organize upon the appointment of a majority of its authorized membership.
    • It may elect a chair and vice-chair; a secretary may be appointed.
    • A majority of the current membership constitutes a quorum for conducting business.
  • Compensation: Members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
  • Support: The Division of Criminal Justice provides staff and resources; the commission may incur expenses within appropriations.
  • Duties: Evaluate laws related to human trafficking, review victim services, promote coordinated public-private responses, and develop public awareness and training materials. Also, create a public awareness sign promoting the national 24-hour hotline and related training materials.
  • Reporting: Annual report to the Governor and Legislature on activities, findings, and recommendations.

Who is affected

  • The Commission on Human Trafficking and its public members, including a survivor representative and a child advocacy representative.
  • State agencies and partners involved in human trafficking policy, victim services, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.
  • Potentially affected victims and service providers through updated guidance, training, and awareness initiatives.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 12, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Civil Service and Pensions (initial referral) with subsequent reference to Senate Judiciary Committee noted in action log.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Related legislation: Companion bills A 5455 and A 5437 (House counterparts).

Potential impact

  • Improves enabling conditions for the commission to operate amid vacancies, potentially accelerating policy evaluation, recommendations, and service coordination.
  • Maintains a robust, diverse composition intended to ensure broad expertise and representation in decisions affecting human trafficking policy and victim support.
  • Could influence future staffing, funding allocations, and public awareness efforts related to trafficking prevention and response.

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

Sign in to ask a question.