S8026

The New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Webb to create a task force addressing the disproportionate treatment of missing and murdered BIPOC women and girls. The bill, S8026, passed 60-0 on a roll call vote. Sen. Webb explained that the legislation responds to a growing epidemic in which BIPOC victims of abduction and human trafficking are often mischaracterized as runaways and denied resources available to other missing persons. She cited examples including a Rochester case where an Amber Alert was not issued for a missing young woman of color. The task force will bring together state agencies and community advocates to address gaps in care and provide support to victims and their families. Sen. Ramos supported the measure, noting that asylum seekers and women of color in her Jackson Heights district are particularly vulnerable to trafficking for sex work, nail salon labor, and farm work. She called for the legislation to result not only in criminal justice reforms but also in expanded employment authorization to provide economic opportunities that could prevent exploitation. Webb thanked the Majority Leader, Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and advocacy groups including Girl Vow for their support.