Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021
Latest action (27 Dec 2022): Became Public Law No: 117-322.
What this bill does
S. 2991, the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, directs the Department of Homeland Security to formally establish a Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) within Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations division. The center, led by a director and staffed with at least 45 employees, will house an Operations Unit focused on criminal investigations, enforcement against goods made with forced labor, and procurement oversight, along with a Protection and Awareness Programs Unit responsible for victim support, training, and public-awareness efforts such as the existing Blue Campaign. The bill also calls for a modernization strategy using data analytics and technology to improve trafficking response, and requires several reports to Congress, including an annual report on potential trafficking victims identified near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The bill primarily affects DHS operations and staff, particularly those working on trafficking enforcement, victim protection, and supply-chain compliance. It also has implications for corporations, since DHS is directed to ensure its own procurement and contracting avoid forced labor. Victims of trafficking and organizations partnering with DHS on awareness and training may benefit from more centralized coordination.
The bill was introduced in October 2021 by Senator Gary Peters, passed both chambers, and was signed into law by the President on December 27, 2022. It authorizes $14 million in additional funding to implement its provisions.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021
This act provides statutory authority for the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CCHT coordinates DHS efforts to combat human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
The act requires the CCHT to develop a strategy to improve the systems and processes used throughout DHS to combat human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
The act transfers the functions and resources of the Blue Campaign (i.e., the national public awareness effort to combat human trafficking) to the CCHT. DHS may also transfer to the CCHT any other component, directorate, or office of the department related to combating human trafficking.
Timeline
27 Dec 2022
Became Public Law No: 117-322.
Common questions
- What does S. 2991 do?
- S. 2991, the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, directs the Department of Homeland Security to formally establish a Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) within Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations division. The center, led by a director and staffed with at least 45 employees, will house an Operations Unit focused on criminal investigations, enforcement against goods made with forced labor, and procurement oversight, along with a Protection and Awareness Programs Unit responsible for victim support, training, and public-awareness efforts such as the existing Blue Campaign. The bill also calls for a modernization strategy using data analytics and technology to improve trafficking response, and requires several reports to Congress, including an annual report on potential trafficking victims identified near the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill primarily affects DHS operations and staff, particularly those working on trafficking enforcement, victim protection, and supply-chain compliance. It also has implications for corporations, since DHS is directed to ensure its own procurement and contracting avoid forced labor. Victims of trafficking and organizations partnering with DHS on awareness and training may benefit from more centralized coordination. The bill was introduced in October 2021 by Senator Gary Peters, passed both chambers, and was signed into law by the President on December 27, 2022. It authorizes $14 million in additional funding to implement its provisions.
- Has S. 2991 become law?
- Yes. S. 2991 has been enacted. Status last updated 27 Dec 2022.
- Who sponsored S. 2991?
- S. 2991 was sponsored by Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] (D-MI), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2991?
- Became Public Law No: 117-322. (27 Dec 2022).
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