Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford), a member of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking, joined his colleagues on Tuesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor in the Capitol to release the task force’s findings and recommendations. Over the past several months, the task force engaged with nearly 200 individuals statewide—including trafficking survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, social workers, educators, and anti-trafficking advocates—during regional events across the state to better understand the challenges and gaps in current laws.

“Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights that impacts communities across New York,” said DeStefano. “Through our work on the task force, we heard firsthand accounts from survivors and professionals that were instrumental in shaping the legislative solutions we are now advancing. Our goal is to strengthen protections for victims, hold traffickers fully accountable and increase public awareness of this heinous crime.”

The press conference highlighted the task force’s key recommendations, including proposals to expand supportive housing, improve victim services, increase penalties for traffickers, and enhance training and awareness programs for law enforcement, students, and the public. Several new bills were introduced as part of these efforts to close dangerous loopholes and improve New York’s response to human trafficking.

As a strong advocate for public safety and justice, DeStefano reaffirmed his commitment to fighting human trafficking. “Preventing human trafficking and ensuring survivors have the support they need are critical to making our communities safer,” he said. “By taking decisive legislative action, we can send a strong message that New York stands against trafficking and will do everything possible to protect victims.”

DeStefano and his colleagues are urging swift action on these critical reforms to better safeguard vulnerable individuals and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat trafficking across the state.