By Hank Russell
A Nassau County legislator recently introduced a bill that would impose the toughest local regulations in the state on illicit spas and massage parlors that engage in prostitution and sex trafficking.
Joined by fellow Nassau Democrats from the county Legislature, Viviana L. Russell (D-Westbury) introduced the Nassau County Anti-Human Trafficking Prevention and Victim Protection Act, legislation which she said would be “focused on making Nassau County a harder place to traffic a human being and a safer place for survivors to seek help,” according to her Facebook page.
She described in her post what the bill entails: “The legislation expands protections to address illicit massage establishments, strengthens licensing and inspection requirements, increases penalties for repeat violations, holds those who knowingly facilitate trafficking accountable, and establishes a Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund to support survivors with critical services.”
According to Newsday TV, the bill would require spas to have a proper state license and show proof that their employees are properly paid. In addition, nobody would be allowed to sleep or take up residence in these establishments.
Nassau Democrats are also pushing for higher fines of up to $25,000 for each repeat violation by the building owners and landlords, Newsday TV reported. Russell and fellow party members are also proposing a County Human Trafficking Response Working Group, comprised of law enforcement and government agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, service providers and advocates for human trafficking survivors.
“Human trafficking is not a partisan issue—it is a human issue,” Russell posted. “We must protect those being exploited, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure survivors have the resources they need to rebuild their lives.”
In introducing this bill, the legislator cited a Newsday report that Long Island has become one of New York’s most active fronts in an illicit massage industry estimated at roughly $500 million annually statewide. Police and town officials raided at least 231 spas in Nassau and Suffolk counties over the last five years, including at least 85 that were raided more than once.
Russell told Newsday TV that this legislation is “very personal” to her, recalling that she was molested as a child. However, she said she was “very blessed that it did not go further than it did.” Because of this, she told the outlet, this is why she introduced this bill.
“I was not trafficked,” Russell said, “But there are thousands of people who have been.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the Nassau Republican legislative majority and asked them if they would support the bill. Spokesperson Mary Studdert said they are currently reviewing it.
“We carefully evaluate every piece of legislation that comes before the Legislature, and some proposals require additional research, review or discussion before they are ready to be called for a vote,” Studdert said. “We are just beginning to review the details of this proposal and will determine the appropriate next steps as part of the legislative process.”