HB 6156 Summary

• Creates the human trafficking victim assistance fund in the state treasury, administered by the department of attorney general to provide assistance to human trafficking victims.

• Fund receives money from any source and may accept grants, gifts, and investments, with interest and earnings credited back to the fund; unspent money does not lapse to the general fund.

• Commission may expend fund money for grants to victim service programs, administrative costs, community education about trafficking dangers, victim protection and support, and trafficking prevention efforts.

• Eligible programs and organizations must provide need-based free or reduced-fee services and demonstrate sworn intent to use grants for victim services including counseling, medical care, housing, vocational training, financial assistance, and legal aid.

• Grants awarded for 2-year periods with opportunity for reapplication; commission selects recipients based on community need, number of beneficiaries, service quality, financial necessity, proven success, and service accessibility.