Sponsors (4)
The bill directs federal funding to prevent cross-border smuggling and sex trafficking of youth and to strengthen local response capacity, at the cost of a modest taxpayer outlay and a statutory bar on private lawsuits that could limit individual legal remedies and risk uneven implementation across jurisdictions.
Young people aged 12–24 at risk of cross-border smuggling and sex trafficking receive targeted prevention and support services through federally funded grants.
States, tribes, local governments, and victim-service nonprofits receive federal resources to build capacity to prevent and respond to trafficking, improving local response and service availability.
State and local implementers and nonprofits benefit from funding made available 'until expended', allowing multi-year projects and continuity of services without annual lapse concerns.
Children and young adults harmed by program implementation or government inaction are barred from bringing private lawsuits under the statute, limiting legal remedies.
Implementation requires coordination across federal, state, tribal, and local agencies; inconsistent execution could leave some communities, including tribal lands, underserved.
Taxpayers will fund the program at an estimated $50 million, which could compete with other federal priorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a DOJ–HHS grant program to prevent cross‑border smuggling and fund services for people aged 12–24 who are smuggled or at risk/victims of trafficking, and authorizes $50M.
Introduced January 9, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn · Last progress January 9, 2025
Creates a new federal grant program to prevent cross‑border smuggling and to help people aged 12–24 who have been smuggled or are victims or at risk of child sex trafficking or severe trafficking in persons. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, consulting with the Secretary of State, may award grants to States, Indian tribes, local governments, and nonprofit victim‑service organizations. The bill authorizes $50 million to the Attorney General for these grants (available until expended) and states that the provision does not create a private right of action against the United States or its officers or employees.