House committee endorses study of victim services and reentry programs for human trafficking survivors

The House Judiciary Committee voted to recommend House Concurrent Resolution 3028, a study resolution focused on victim services and reentry programs for human trafficking survivors, by a roll call that the committee reported as 11 yes, 2 no and 1 absent, not voting.

Representative Van Winkle, who moved the due-pass motion, said the study's focus would be on reentry services and practical needs such as job placement and training for survivors. "Where I wanted the focus to be was on the reentry piece," Van Winkle said, noting examples where organizations listed job resources but had no openings at the time.

Some members opposed creating another study. Representative Wolff said testimony and a recent study suggested private and nonprofit organizations are already doing much of the work and that legislative study may be redundant; he said he planned to vote no. Representative Vetter relayed concerns that a previous study produced statistics but did not examine practical program improvements, and said a new study could bring operational ideas.

Committee counsel or staff clarified committee practice and the open meetings law during discussion: the panel cannot accept anonymous testimony in an open meeting and written testimony labeled "neutral" from a private organization is not equivalent to neutral agency testimony, both points staff said were constrained by the law.

Proponents emphasized the need to examine barriers survivors face entering the workforce and continuing protection needs; supporters cited survivor mentorship programs and on-the-ground organizations as sources of practical solutions. Representative Christiansen said testimony showed problems connecting victims to resources and supported the study.

The committee approved the study resolution and designated Reverend Satrim as bill carrier for the measure.