Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime

Report #251, September 2020
Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2020
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(510) 205-8042
 

Increase Efforts to Identify Labor Trafficking, Little Hoover Commission Says

 

California must improve and expand efforts to identify labor trafficking, the state’s independent government watchdog recommends in a new report.

In Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime, the Little Hoover Commission calls for increased efforts to identify labor trafficking through better training, data collection, and public awareness. This is the Commission’s second report studying California’s response to human trafficking and builds upon the recommendation from its first report on the topic, released in June 2020, to create a statewide Anti-Human Trafficking Council.

“Too often, this heinous crime goes undetected, and those who have been preyed upon have nowhere to turn,” said Commission Chair Pedro Nava. “This horrible crime demands an aggressive response, and our recommendations will help California do just that.”

Labor trafficking occurs when employers use force, fraud or coercion to exert a level of control over workers that leaves them trapped in oppressive situations. It can occur in a variety of workplaces, including restaurants, construction sites, farm fields, and households, and is often very difficult to detect. Widespread unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to the conditions necessary for labor trafficking to flourish.

The Commission’s report focuses on the obstacles that make it difficult to identify labor trafficking, including a lack of enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and a lack of familiarity about the issue among government officials and the public. The report also notes that the state’s primary focus has been on combatting sex trafficking, a focus that must continue but be expanded to include labor trafficking as well. 

“We need to know where labor trafficking is occurring in California and who is being affected so we can direct resources to help victims and bring traffickers to justice,” explained Commissioner Cynthia Buiza, chair of the Commission’s subcommittee for the labor trafficking studies. “More information will mean a stronger state response.”

The report also notes the strides taken by state officials to combat and deter child sex trafficking and calls for similar investment in protections for child victims of labor trafficking.

“It is crucial that all children are protected,” said Commissioner Dion Aroner, a member of the study’s subcommittee. “Nothing is more important than ensuring that California’s youngest and most vulnerable residents do not fall prey to the evil of human trafficking.”

About the Little Hoover Commission

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan, independent state oversight agency created in 1962. It includes 13 Commissioners appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. The Commission’s mission is to investigate state operations and promote efficiency, economy and improved service.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

Agenda

Overview

Numerous obstacles hinder efforts to identify labor trafficking cases in the state, leaving untold numbers of victims trapped in oppressive situations. Barriers that make it difficult to identify labor trafficking cases include the lack of an aggressive state response; siloed government agencies; and a primary focus on sex trafficking. Recognizing these challenges, the Commission offered strategies to help the state better detect labor trafficking through training, public education, and other means. We recommend California increase efforts to identify this crime:

  • Train officials most likely to encounter labor trafficking to serve as first identifiers.
  • Increase awareness through outreach campaigns and expanded training opportunities.
  • Study ways to improve enforcement of the Transparency in Supply Chain Act of 2010.
  • Update laws protecting child sex trafficking victims to include child labor trafficking victims.

Written testimony from hearing witnesses can be found below in the corresponding event agenda.

Get help: If you believe you may have information about a human trafficking situation, the National Human Trafficking Hotline can help. Call toll-free at 1-888-373-7888 or text at 233-733 (Be Free). If you fear a victim is in immediate danger, please contact 911 to report his/her location to the police.
 
Relevant Reports
(Report #250, June 2020)
 
 
In the News
Print 
			Agenda
  • September 28
    2023
    Report Implementation Status Hearing
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

     

    AGENDA:
    Report Implementation Status Hearing
    10:00 a.m.
    Thursday, September 28, 2023

    Join in-person:
    Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus
    4901 East Carson Street
    Building T, Room 1100
    Long Beach, California 90808
     
    Join via Zoom:
    URL: https://bit.ly/45DJv25
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 928-0685-1905
    Passcode: 985752

     

    1. Progress Towards Improving California's Response to Intimate Partner Violence

      1. Beth Hassett (she/her), Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, WEAVE (Written Testimony)

      2. Eric Morrison-Smith (he/him), Executive Director, Alliance for Boys and Men of Color (Written Testimony)

      3. Krista Colón (she/her), Senior Director of Public Policy Strategies, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence

      4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

     

        2. Reflections on the State’s Efforts to Combat Labor Trafficking

    1. Ryann Jorban (she/her) Deputy in Charge, the Labor Justice Unit and the Economic Justice and Notario Fraud Unit, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office; Co-Chair, Labor Trafficking Subcommittee, Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force

    2. Joseph Mellis (he/him), Deputy County Counsel, Los Angeles County; Co-Chair, Labor Trafficking Subcommittee, Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Written Testimony)

    3. Leigh LaChapelle (they/them), Associate Director of Survivor Advocacy, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Written Testimony)

    4. Summer Stephan (she/her), District Attorney, San Diego County 

    5. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 18, 2023

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Report Implementation Status Hearing

     

    On September, 28, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 10 a.m. to examine the implementation status of two previous reports. At approximately noon, the Commission will conduct a business meeting before resuming the hearing. Both meetings will be held at Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus at 4901 East Carson Street, Building T, Room 1100 in Long Beach, California 90808, and via zoom. 

    Members of the public can attend the hearing in person or listen to the hearing by joining online or by phone. Click the URL to join online: https://bit.ly/45DJv25. To join via phone, call toll free from the U.S. by dialing (888) 788-0099. The webinar ID is 928 0685 1905. The password is 985752. We highly recommend members of the public access the hearing through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    Public comments will be heard during the public hearing and at the start of the business meeting, and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearing or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or LittleHoover@lhc.ca.gov by September 21, 2023. 

  • May 28
    2020
    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
    9:30 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking

    9:30 a.m.

    Thursday, May 28, 2020

     

    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom

    Online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDd...

    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099

    Webinar ID: 996-0580-4008

    Password: 826167

     

    Public Hearing: 9:30 a.m.

    Detecting Labor Trafficking

    1. Dominic Forrest, Chief of the Labor Enforcement Task Force, Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)

    2. Jessica Fry, Attorney, California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Department of Industrial Relations

    3. Patricia Alatorre, Deputy Labor Commissioner, Retaliation Compliant Investigation Unit, Department of Industrial Relations

     

    Prosecuting Labor Trafficking Cases

    1. Kevin Kish, Director, Department of Fair Employment and Housing (Written Testimony)
    2. Amanda Plisner, Deputy Attorney General and Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, Department of Justice (Written Testimony)

     

    Helping Labor Trafficking Victims Access Services

    1. Gina Buccieri-Harrington, Assistant Manager for Grants Management, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Written Testimony, Attachment)
    2. Lynda Gledhill, Executive Officer, California Victim Compensation Board (Written Testimony)

     

    Public Comments

              Michael N. Feuer (Written Testimony)

    Watch the Full Hearing: https://bit.ly/3dtjQOK 

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 18, 2020

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

     

    On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

     

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearing by joining online or by phone. Click the URL to join online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDdHZBQT09. To join via phone, call toll free from the U.S. by dialing (888) 788-0099. The webinar ID is 996-0580-4008. The password: 826167. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Where-Do-I-Download-The-Latest-Version- for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.

     

    During the hearing, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the meeting. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical meetings, public comments will be heard at the end of the meeting, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

     

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.  

     

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Friday, May 22, 2020.

     

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video

  • January 30
    2020
    Labor Trafficking Advisory Meeting
    10 a.m., Controller's Conference Room #351, City Hall East, 20
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Agenda

    Advisory Meeting on Labor Trafficking

    Thursday, January 30, 2020

    Controller's Conference Room, Room 351

    City Hall East

    200 North Main Street

    Los Angeles, CA 90012

     

    Opening Session: 10 a.m.

    Introductory Comments

    • Pedro Nava, Chairman, Little Hoover Commission
    • Mike Feuer, City Attorney, Los Angeles

     

    Discussion: How Can the State of California Enhance Identification of Labor Trafficking?

     

    Discussion: How Can the State of California Improve Its Response to Labor Trafficking Cases?

     

    Lunch Break (noon – 1 pm)

     

    Afternoon Session: 1 p.m.

    Presentation: How Other State Governments Organize to Combat Labor Trafficking

    • Maria Trujillo, Human Trafficking Program Manager, Colorado Human Trafficking Council (Presentation)

     

    Discussion: What Should the State of California Borrow from Other States’ Responses to Trafficking?

     

    Closing Remarks

     

    Public Comments

     

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 16, 2020

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

     

    On Thursday, January 30, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory meeting on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Controller’s Conference Room #351 located in City Hall East at 200 North Main Street in Los Angeles. The hearing will break at approximately noon for lunch, then reconvene at 1 p.m.

     

    Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.  

     

    The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s meeting agenda.

     

    The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.

     

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 20, 2020.

     

    Video

    Morning Session: https://youtu.be/DQOiY08_OAc

    Afternoon Session: https://youtu.be/77OyYqHCTXA

  • November 21
    2019
    Business Meeting
    at approximately 12:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego,
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, November 21, 2019
    Commission Room, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
    330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 

    The Commission will consider agenda items I-V at approximately 12:30 p.m. Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the meeting.

    I. Business Meeting Minutes from October 24, 2019

    II. Administrative Update

    III. Project Selection

    a. Update on project schedule

    IV. Implementation and Impact Activity

    V. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office

  • November 21
    2019
    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
    10 a.m.-4:00 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

     

    PDF version of agenda available here (recommended for printing and downloading)

     

    AGENDA

     

    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
    Thursday, November 21, 2019
    Shiley Special Events Suite, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
    330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 

     

    Public Hearing: 10 a.m.

    Introductory Comments

    1. Toni Atkins, President pro Tempore, California Senate

     

    Perspectives from Labor Trafficking Survivors and Service Providers

    2. Angela Guanzon, Survivor Advocate (Written Testimony)

    3. Renuka Zellars, Survivor Advocate

    4. Jamie Beck, President and Managing Attorney, Free to Thrive (Written Testimony)

     

    15 Minute Break

     

    Introduction to Labor Trafficking

    5. Colleen Owens, founder and CEO of THE WHY; former Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)

    6. Kathleen Kim, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School (Written Testimony)

     

    Lunch Break

     

    Hearing Reconvenes: 1:30 p.m.

    Lessons from the field: How local governments are combatting Labor Trafficking

    7. Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony)

    8. Nancy O’Malley, District Attorney, Alameda County (Written Testimony)

    9. Lynette Gonzales, Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County (Written Testimony)

    10. Anh Truong, Supervising Attorney, Sex & Labor Trafficking Unit, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office (Written Testimony)

     

    15 Minute Break

     

    Looking Ahead: What is Needed to Strengthen California’s Response to Labor Trafficking?

    11. Kay Buck, Chief Executive Officer, The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)

    12. Jean Bruggeman, Executive Director, The Freedom Network USA (Written Testimony)

     

    Public Comments

     

    The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 7, 2019

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

     

    On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Shiley Special Events Suite located on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library at 330 Park Blvd in San Diego. The hearing will break at approximately 12:30 p.m. for lunch and the Commission’s business meeting in the Commission Room on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library. It expects to conclude the business meeting at approximately 1:30 p.m., at which time it will reconvene the hearing on labor trafficking in the Shiley Special Events Suite.

    The Commission may act on any item listed on the hearing or business meeting agenda. Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.  

    The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s hearing and business meeting agendas.

    The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov. The Commission also welcomes written comments on any item on its business meeting agenda; please email business meeting comments by 12 p.m. on November 14, 2019, to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, November 18, 2019.

Print 
		Agenda
  • September 28
    2023
    Report Implementation Status Hearing
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

     

    AGENDA:
    Report Implementation Status Hearing
    10:00 a.m.
    Thursday, September 28, 2023

    Join in-person:
    Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus
    4901 East Carson Street
    Building T, Room 1100
    Long Beach, California 90808
     
    Join via Zoom:
    URL: https://bit.ly/45DJv25
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 928-0685-1905
    Passcode: 985752

     

    1. Progress Towards Improving California's Response to Intimate Partner Violence

      1. Beth Hassett (she/her), Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, WEAVE (Written Testimony)

      2. Eric Morrison-Smith (he/him), Executive Director, Alliance for Boys and Men of Color (Written Testimony)

      3. Krista Colón (she/her), Senior Director of Public Policy Strategies, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence

      4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

     

        2. Reflections on the State’s Efforts to Combat Labor Trafficking

    1. Ryann Jorban (she/her) Deputy in Charge, the Labor Justice Unit and the Economic Justice and Notario Fraud Unit, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office; Co-Chair, Labor Trafficking Subcommittee, Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force

    2. Joseph Mellis (he/him), Deputy County Counsel, Los Angeles County; Co-Chair, Labor Trafficking Subcommittee, Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Written Testimony)

    3. Leigh LaChapelle (they/them), Associate Director of Survivor Advocacy, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Written Testimony)

    4. Summer Stephan (she/her), District Attorney, San Diego County 

    5. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker, limited to 30 minutes total)

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 18, 2023

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-0926

     
    Notice of Report Implementation Status Hearing

     

    On September, 28, 2023, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 10 a.m. to examine the implementation status of two previous reports. At approximately noon, the Commission will conduct a business meeting before resuming the hearing. Both meetings will be held at Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus at 4901 East Carson Street, Building T, Room 1100 in Long Beach, California 90808, and via zoom. 

    Members of the public can attend the hearing in person or listen to the hearing by joining online or by phone. Click the URL to join online: https://bit.ly/45DJv25. To join via phone, call toll free from the U.S. by dialing (888) 788-0099. The webinar ID is 928 0685 1905. The password is 985752. We highly recommend members of the public access the hearing through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
     
    Public comments will be heard during the public hearing and at the start of the business meeting, and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes. Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearing or business meeting may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or LittleHoover@lhc.ca.gov by September 21, 2023. 

  • May 28
    2020
    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
    9:30 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking

    9:30 a.m.

    Thursday, May 28, 2020

     

    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom

    Online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDd...

    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099

    Webinar ID: 996-0580-4008

    Password: 826167

     

    Public Hearing: 9:30 a.m.

    Detecting Labor Trafficking

    1. Dominic Forrest, Chief of the Labor Enforcement Task Force, Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)

    2. Jessica Fry, Attorney, California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Department of Industrial Relations

    3. Patricia Alatorre, Deputy Labor Commissioner, Retaliation Compliant Investigation Unit, Department of Industrial Relations

     

    Prosecuting Labor Trafficking Cases

    1. Kevin Kish, Director, Department of Fair Employment and Housing (Written Testimony)
    2. Amanda Plisner, Deputy Attorney General and Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, Department of Justice (Written Testimony)

     

    Helping Labor Trafficking Victims Access Services

    1. Gina Buccieri-Harrington, Assistant Manager for Grants Management, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Written Testimony, Attachment)
    2. Lynda Gledhill, Executive Officer, California Victim Compensation Board (Written Testimony)

     

    Public Comments

              Michael N. Feuer (Written Testimony)

    Watch the Full Hearing: https://bit.ly/3dtjQOK 

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 18, 2020

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

     

    On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

     

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearing by joining online or by phone. Click the URL to join online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDdHZBQT09. To join via phone, call toll free from the U.S. by dialing (888) 788-0099. The webinar ID is 996-0580-4008. The password: 826167. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Where-Do-I-Download-The-Latest-Version- for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.

     

    During the hearing, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the meeting. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical meetings, public comments will be heard at the end of the meeting, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

     

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.  

     

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Friday, May 22, 2020.

     

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video

  • January 30
    2020
    Labor Trafficking Advisory Meeting
    10 a.m., Controller's Conference Room #351, City Hall East, 20
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Agenda

    Advisory Meeting on Labor Trafficking

    Thursday, January 30, 2020

    Controller's Conference Room, Room 351

    City Hall East

    200 North Main Street

    Los Angeles, CA 90012

     

    Opening Session: 10 a.m.

    Introductory Comments

    • Pedro Nava, Chairman, Little Hoover Commission
    • Mike Feuer, City Attorney, Los Angeles

     

    Discussion: How Can the State of California Enhance Identification of Labor Trafficking?

     

    Discussion: How Can the State of California Improve Its Response to Labor Trafficking Cases?

     

    Lunch Break (noon – 1 pm)

     

    Afternoon Session: 1 p.m.

    Presentation: How Other State Governments Organize to Combat Labor Trafficking

    • Maria Trujillo, Human Trafficking Program Manager, Colorado Human Trafficking Council (Presentation)

     

    Discussion: What Should the State of California Borrow from Other States’ Responses to Trafficking?

     

    Closing Remarks

     

    Public Comments

     

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 16, 2020

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

     

    On Thursday, January 30, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory meeting on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Controller’s Conference Room #351 located in City Hall East at 200 North Main Street in Los Angeles. The hearing will break at approximately noon for lunch, then reconvene at 1 p.m.

     

    Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.  

     

    The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s meeting agenda.

     

    The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.

     

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 20, 2020.

     

    Video

    Morning Session: https://youtu.be/DQOiY08_OAc

    Afternoon Session: https://youtu.be/77OyYqHCTXA

  • November 21
    2019
    Business Meeting
    at approximately 12:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego,
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, November 21, 2019
    Commission Room, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
    330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 

    The Commission will consider agenda items I-V at approximately 12:30 p.m. Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the meeting.

    I. Business Meeting Minutes from October 24, 2019

    II. Administrative Update

    III. Project Selection

    a. Update on project schedule

    IV. Implementation and Impact Activity

    V. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office

  • November 21
    2019
    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
    10 a.m.-4:00 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

     

    PDF version of agenda available here (recommended for printing and downloading)

     

    AGENDA

     

    Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
    Thursday, November 21, 2019
    Shiley Special Events Suite, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
    330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 

     

    Public Hearing: 10 a.m.

    Introductory Comments

    1. Toni Atkins, President pro Tempore, California Senate

     

    Perspectives from Labor Trafficking Survivors and Service Providers

    2. Angela Guanzon, Survivor Advocate (Written Testimony)

    3. Renuka Zellars, Survivor Advocate

    4. Jamie Beck, President and Managing Attorney, Free to Thrive (Written Testimony)

     

    15 Minute Break

     

    Introduction to Labor Trafficking

    5. Colleen Owens, founder and CEO of THE WHY; former Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)

    6. Kathleen Kim, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School (Written Testimony)

     

    Lunch Break

     

    Hearing Reconvenes: 1:30 p.m.

    Lessons from the field: How local governments are combatting Labor Trafficking

    7. Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony)

    8. Nancy O’Malley, District Attorney, Alameda County (Written Testimony)

    9. Lynette Gonzales, Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County (Written Testimony)

    10. Anh Truong, Supervising Attorney, Sex & Labor Trafficking Unit, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office (Written Testimony)

     

    15 Minute Break

     

    Looking Ahead: What is Needed to Strengthen California’s Response to Labor Trafficking?

    11. Kay Buck, Chief Executive Officer, The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)

    12. Jean Bruggeman, Executive Director, The Freedom Network USA (Written Testimony)

     

    Public Comments

     

    The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com.

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 7, 2019

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

     

    On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Shiley Special Events Suite located on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library at 330 Park Blvd in San Diego. The hearing will break at approximately 12:30 p.m. for lunch and the Commission’s business meeting in the Commission Room on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library. It expects to conclude the business meeting at approximately 1:30 p.m., at which time it will reconvene the hearing on labor trafficking in the Shiley Special Events Suite.

    The Commission may act on any item listed on the hearing or business meeting agenda. Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.  

    The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s hearing and business meeting agendas.

    The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov. The Commission also welcomes written comments on any item on its business meeting agenda; please email business meeting comments by 12 p.m. on November 14, 2019, to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, November 18, 2019.