H.R.863 - National Human Trafficking Database Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.863, the National Human Trafficking Database Act, aims to establish a national database within the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime. The goal is to collect and disseminate comprehensive data on human trafficking incidents across the United States. This will be achieved by incentivizing state agencies to report relevant data through grant programs.
The bill outlines specific data points to be collected, including prosecutions, arrests, hotline data, and information from anti-human trafficking organizations. It also mandates the creation of a publicly accessible database and regular reports to Congress.
The Act authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually for grants to state agencies and $1 million annually for database maintenance and reporting from 2025 through 2028.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be the creation of a centralized, publicly accessible database on human trafficking. This would improve data collection and analysis.
It is expected that the bill will enhance coordination among state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, in combating human trafficking. The increased availability of data could also lead to more informed policy decisions and resource allocation.
Furthermore, the bill could raise public awareness of human trafficking and support the efforts of anti-human trafficking organizations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced data collection and analysis on human trafficking incidents.
- Improved coordination among state and federal agencies and NGOs.
- Increased public awareness of human trafficking.
- More informed policy decisions and resource allocation.
- Support for anti-human trafficking organizations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for data breaches and privacy violations if survivor confidentiality is not adequately protected.
- The cost of establishing and maintaining the database, although authorized, may strain resources.
- The effectiveness of the database depends on the willingness and ability of state agencies to participate and report accurate data.
- The bill does not address the root causes of human trafficking, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.
- The database may inadvertently stigmatize certain communities or regions if data is misinterpreted.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly the Thirteenth Amendment, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, as human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could also be invoked to justify federal action against human trafficking, as it often involves interstate or international commerce. The bill's focus on data collection and dissemination does not appear to infringe on individual liberties or states' rights, provided that survivor confidentiality is protected. The authorization of appropriations falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).