Governor Mills signs Sen. Nangle bill to support survivors of human trafficking

Legislation provides temporary funding bridge after unexplained federal delay disrupts critical services.

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 15, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, that ensures survivors of human trafficking in Maine can continue accessing essential support services.

LD 2136 will provide a one-time bridge to replace delayed federal funding that has supported Preble Street’s Anti-Trafficking Services program since 2013. The program has historically been funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime — funding that Congress approved and communities across the country rely on.

“Survivors of trafficking ought to be able to access these life-changing, sometimes life-saving services,” said Sen. Nangle. “Because the federal government wavered on maintaining its commitment, they are effectively telling survivors they have to wait for safety. That is unacceptable. That’s why I’m proud to have helped lead this bill across the finish line and make sure people who have already endured unimaginable trauma can still get the support they need to be safe and start rebuilding their lives.”

Preble Street’s most recent three-year federal grant expired on September 30, 2025. Normally, the next grant opportunity would have opened in April 2025, with new funds beginning October 1, 2025 with no interruption. Instead, the U.S. Department of Justice delayed the grant competition for more than nine months and provided no public explanation. As a direct result of that gap, Maine’s largest provider of anti-trafficking services has been forced to begin waitlisting survivors.

That funding has helped Preble Street support 157 survivors across seven Maine counties in recent years. Services include assistance with housing, food, clothing, medical and mental health care, legal services and relocation when necessary.

Without this short-term state investment, survivors seeking help right now could face serious and lasting harm simply because of a federal administrative failure.

This essential funding was passed by the Legislature after Senate and House Republicans initially attempted to defeat the bill.

LD 2136 will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

Sen. Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He serves as Senate chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee.

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