By Jim Lonergan
Published November 3, 2025 at 11:10 AM

              FREEHOLD, N.J. — As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) — landmark federal legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) — Monmouth County officials are joining the fight locally by backing a New Jersey bill that would require rideshare drivers to complete anti-human trafficking training.

              “Since becoming New Jersey’s statewide provider for human trafficking victim services in October 2020, Covenant House New Jersey has provided comprehensive care to more than 450 identified victims of human trafficking — including survivors from right here in Monmouth County,” said CEO Julia Einbond. “Human trafficking continues to be one of the most hidden crimes in our state. Strengthening our ability to recognize victims and connect them with critical services is essential to breaking the cycle of exploitation.”

              Together, these initiatives reflect a growing push to close gaps in transportation safety, improve victim identification, and strengthen both prevention and prosecution efforts against what experts call one of the most hidden crimes in modern society.

              Federal Momentum: Smith Marks 25 years of the TVPA: Rep. Smith — long recognized as a global leader in anti-human trafficking policy — is urging Congress to pass his new Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPA) of 2025 (H.R. 1144).

              Smith’s original TVPA, enacted in 2000, established the framework for the “three Ps” approach: prevention, protection, and prosecution. Over the past 25 years, it has helped convict more than 2,200 traffickers, created victim-assistance programs, and inspired over 180 countries to adopt similar anti-trafficking laws. “When I first introduced the TVPA, people thought trafficking meant drugs or weapons, not human beings,” Smith said. “But with bipartisan support, we changed that. The TVPA built a whole-of-government strategy to protect victims, prosecute traffickers, and prevent exploitation before it happens.”

              Smith’s new bill would reauthorize and expand anti-trafficking programs across the Departments of State, Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services. It would also continue funding for the Angel Watch Center, which notifies foreign governments when convicted child sex offenders attempt to travel abroad — a key safeguard under Smith’s International Megan’s Law (2016).

              In addition, the bill would launch a Frederick Douglass Survivors Employment and Education Program, helping trafficking survivors reintegrate into society through education and job support.

              Local Action: Monmouth County Commissioners Back State Bill S1990: The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is advancing its own anti-trafficking efforts by proposing a resolution in support of New Jersey Senate Bill 1990 (S1990) — legislation that would require transportation-network company (TNC) drivers, such as Uber and Lyft operators, to complete state-approved anti-human trafficking training.

              Under the bill, every TNC driver and new applicant would be required to complete a training course approved by the New Jersey Attorney General that covers:

• What human trafficking is and how it’s defined.
• The role of rideshare drivers in recognizing and reporting suspected trafficking.
• Clear instructions on how to report suspected cases to law enforcement.

              Current drivers would have 90 days from the bill’s effective date to complete certification. Failure to comply would result in suspension from operating on the TNC’s digital platform.

              Why Bill S1990 Has Stalled: Despite broad support, S1990 has remained in the Senate Transportation Committee since being introduced in January 2024.

              Key factors contributing to the delay include:

• Committee bottlenecks — the bill has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.
• Fiscal note delays — a cost analysis from the Office of Legislative Services has not been certified, often a prerequisite for floor action.
• Industry concerns — rideshare companies have raised logistical and cost-related questions about monitoring compliance statewide.
• Competing priorities — with many bills awaiting review, committee time has been limited for non-appropriation measures.

              Still, Monmouth County’s support aims to apply pressure and elevate public awareness.

              Commissioners Call for Action: Commissioner Dominick “Nick” DiRocco said the local resolution is about proactive prevention: “Monmouth County is not immune to the dangers posed by these criminal acts, and our residents are at risk of exploitation,” DiRocco said. “This training gives local drivers the tools to recognize and report warning signs before a crime occurs.”

              Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone emphasized the county’s year-round tourism and commuter base: “Monmouth County welcomes thousands of people every day who rely on rideshare services,” Arnone said. “This bill represents a vital step toward protecting our community and those who visit it.”

              The Board’s resolution in support of S1990 is expected to be introduced at its next meeting, with Commissioners also exploring additional safeguards for local transportation services.

              Linking Local, National, and State efforts: Rep. Smith praised the county’s support of the rideshare training bill, noting that local action complements federal strategy. “This legislation is critical to preventing, identifying, and combating human trafficking on the state level,” Smith said. “Rideshare drivers are often unwitting participants in trafficking transport — giving them awareness training could save lives.”

              As the TVPA marks its silver anniversary, Smith said it’s time to recommit to the promise made in 2000: “We must act with courage, compassion, and resolve to ensure that freedom is not just a word — but a lived reality for every human being.”

              Next Steps: Federally: Smith’s Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 awaits action in the House of Representatives. Statewide: S1990 remains in committee, but there has been no sign of movement within the bill, which is close to two years and counting. At the County level, Monmouth County is drafting a resolution in support of S1990 and is seeking other means to implement some form of action to address human trafficking.


This article was published on November 3, 2025 and can be found online at: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/gold-coast/sections/government/articles/from-washington-to-monmouth-county-leaders-are-taking-action-to-fight-human-trafficking