FL S1554

Creates the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking within the Department of Legal Affairs to examine treatment needs and best practices for human trafficking victims.

Council membership includes the Attorney General (chair), State Surgeon General (vice chair), Secretaries of Children and Families and Health Care Administration, executive director of Department of Law Enforcement, one state senator, one representative, and four members appointed by the Attorney General with relevant professional experience.

Council members serve 4-year terms (with initial staggered 2-year terms) and may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses; council must meet quarterly and submit annual reports to the Legislature by June 30.

Council duties include discussing issues facing trafficking victims, annually holding a statewide policy summit with higher education institutions, and creating an inventory of trafficking programs and services available in each county.

Authorizes the Department of Legal Affairs to establish a nonprofit direct-support organization governed by a 5-member board to provide funding and assistance to the council and prohibits conflicts of interest for department employees and volunteers.