AN ACT CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS.

HB 7236 creates a new statewide council focused on coordinating responses to human trafficking and sexual assault victims. The bill expands the council's membership to 22 members, including state agency commissioners (like Public Health and Social Services), victim advocates, legal services representatives, and specific community voices such as representatives from anti-trafficking coalitions, domestic violence organizations, and victim-led groups. It also mandates that the Governor appoint four public members, including one representing child exploitation victims, one for child trafficking victims, and two others representing advocacy organizations. This structure aims to improve interagency collaboration and ensure victim perspectives inform policy. The bill does not change direct victim services but establishes a formal body to coordinate existing state efforts.