SENATE MEMORIAL 96

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Bill Tallman and Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CRIME VICTIMS REPARATION COMMISSION, THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE NEW MEXICO HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE, THE NEW MEXICO TRIBAL TASK FORCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE LIFE LINK TO IDENTIFY STRATEGIES AND POLICIES TO COORDINATE RESOURCES, SERVICES AND HOUSING FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

     WHEREAS, victims of human trafficking face extreme danger when they escape or are rescued from their traffickers; and

     WHEREAS, an escaped victim of human trafficking has immediate needs, including sustenance, shelter, transportation and medical services; and

     WHEREAS, current work to support victims of human trafficking is being undertaken, in collaboration with the United States department of justice, by a task force convened jointly by the office of the attorney general and the life link and by the New Mexico tribal task force on human trafficking; and

     WHEREAS, additionally, Santa Fe and Bernalillo counties are developing long-range plans to provide shelter and housing and other services for victims of human trafficking; and

     WHEREAS, because of the complexity of many trafficking victims' experiences, the successful treatment of victims of human trafficking often includes delivery of services with a high level of clinical sophistication; and

     WHEREAS, providing housing resources and trauma services to victims of human trafficking is a vital and necessary goal; and

     WHEREAS, providing emergency resources, which is critical to stabilization of victims and leads to successful prosecution of traffickers, is the result of the combined work of law enforcement, prosecutors and service providers;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the crime victims reparation commission, the office of the attorney general, the New Mexico human trafficking task force, the life link and the New Mexico tribal task force on human trafficking be requested to develop strategies and policies to fulfill and improve services for victims of human trafficking throughout the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the entities above be requested to identify gaps in the availability of services to victims of human trafficking, as well as housing, advocacy and policy issues affecting Native American and immigrant populations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the entities listed be requested to present to the legislative health and human services committee and the appropriate legislative interim committee dealing with courts, corrections and justice issues a report on the progress of their work on or before December 1, 2018 and present a final report on their work, including any proposed legislation, on or before December 1, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the crime victims reparation commission, the attorney general, the New Mexico human trafficking task force, the life link, the New Mexico tribal task force on human trafficking and the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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