Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to fund a pilot project aimed at helping survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse prepare for employment. The project will provide various supports to assist them in their search for jobs and in overcoming specific challenges they face when entering or re-entering the workforce.

Main Provisions

• Funding and Allocation: The bill allocates $1,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026. This money is intended for a grant to Avivo, an organization tasked with implementing the pilot project.

• Support Services: The project will offer critical resources and support services such as:

  • Day care and transportation assistance.
  • Housing support.
  • Legal advice and help with legal documents.
  • Aid with obtaining necessary employment documents.
  • Interview clothing.
  • Technology and Internet access.

• Public Outreach and Training: It includes efforts to educate the public and potential employers about the unique challenges faced by survivors. This aims to increase understanding and support for these individuals as they join the workforce.

Significant Changes

The bill represents a targeted effort to support a specific group of vulnerable individuals—survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse—by providing them with resources needed to secure employment and facilitating a better understanding among employers about their struggles. It introduces a new, one-time funded initiative, indicating an expansion in efforts focused on workforce development for marginalized communities.

Relevant Terms

• Workforce development
• Survivor employment readiness
• Sex trafficking survivors
• Domestic abuse survivors
• Employment support services
• Avivo
• Public outreach and corporate training