California’s need for a structured and coordinated response to labor trafficking has increased in recent years, the Little Hoover Commission concluded in a new report.

The commission released a follow-up report, “Implementation Review: California’s Response to Labor Trafficking,” evaluating the degree to which commission recommendations from three initial reports on the topic, issued in 2020, have been implemented.

The report concludes that of the 10 recommendations made by the commission, two have been partially implemented. There has been no progress on the other eight, including the recommendation to create an Anti-Human Trafficking Council that would coordinate and assess the state’s efforts.

“These crimes continue to fall under the radar and often occur in our most vulnerable communities,” said Commission Chairman Pedro Nava. “California must take a stronger position against labor trafficking and ensure the health and safety of workers across the state.”

In its initial reports, released in the summer and fall of 2020, the commission found that the state largely focused on the trafficking of people for sexual exploitation, rather than labor exploitation.

Each report featured recommendations to help the state develop an organized, statewide response to trafficking, and outlined strategies to support survivors and bring traffickers to justice.

Last fall, the commission conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of its past recommendations on the issue, including a public hearing featuring testimony from experts and written requests to state agencies for additional information.

This latest report assesses each previous recommendation and reviews any passed or attempted legislation that has been introduced to help strengthen the state’s response to labor trafficking.

The Little Hoover Commission is America’s only permanent, independent citizens commission working to improve state government. A nonpartisan oversight agency created in 1962, the Commission 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.