Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, announced Tuesday that legislation she helped write was selected as a priority bill on the 2019 agenda for the California Women’s Caucus.

Assembly Bill 629 seeks to compensate victims of human trafficking for their economic losses as a result of enslavement. The bill is a joint author venture with Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, according to officials.

“I am encouraged my AB 629 was selected as a priority bill for the Women’s Caucus agenda this year,” said Smith. “Along with Senator Anna Caballero’s outstanding legislation, my bill rounds out a package addressing the protection of our most vulnerable communities. It is a privilege to serve and tackle issues across Assembly District 38 and the state in a comprehensive, intersectional and far-reaching way.”

The bill would make human trafficking victims eligible to receive compensation from the California Victim Compensation Board for income lost while being forced into labor or services comparable to modern-day slavery, according to officials.

Currently, most victims of human trafficking are not able to receive compensation for lost income as a result of being trafficked because they do not have proper documentation of their previous employment, officials added.

“A victim’s ability to recover is rooted in justice, and that means we must ensure access to fair compensation,” Smith said. “My work on this bill so far has shown me that when women lead, we uplift each other and our communities. I am honored my AB 629 speaks to the breadth and diversity of women who make up our caucus and who we represent across the state.”

Ed. Note: This information was provided to KHTS by the office of Assemblywoman Christy Smith.

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