The Stopping the Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation of Girls Act (SAVE Girls Act) would add a new federal grant program under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. The program, run by the Department of Justice (Attorney General) and the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the State Department, would award grants to states, Indian tribes, units of local government, and nonprofit victim-service organizations. The grants are meant to help prevent the smuggling and trafficking of girls and young women aged 12 to 24 and to support those who have already been smuggled or are at risk of becoming victims of trafficking or severe exploitation. The bill authorizes $50 million for these grants, available until expended, and clarifies that the policy does not create a private right to sue the federal government.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a new grant program to combat the smuggling and trafficking of girls and young women (ages 12-24) under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, administered by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with input from the Secretary of State.
- 2Grants may be awarded to States, Indian tribes, units of local government, and nonprofit, nongovernmental victims’ service organizations to fund prevention and victim-support activities.
- 3Primary focus of the grants: (A) prevent cross-border smuggling of girls and young women aged 12-24, and (B) provide support for those ages 12-24 who have been smuggled or are at risk of trafficking, including sex trafficking or other severe trafficking.
- 4Authorization of appropriations of $50,000,000 for these grants, with funds remaining available until expended.
- 5Includes a rule of construction stating that nothing in this section creates a private civil action against the United States or its officers or employees.