Committee advances Sen. Nangle bill to support survivors of human trafficking

Legislation would provide a temporary funding bridge after unexplained federal delay disrupts critical services.

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services voted to advance a bill from Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, to ensure survivors of human trafficking in Maine can continue accessing essential support services after a prolonged and unexplained delay in federal funding. Of those present, LD 2136, “An Act to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine in Response to Federal Funding Cuts,” received support from Democratic members of the committee while all Republican members voted against the bill.

“Survivors don’t get to put their lives on hold while Washington sorts out its paperwork. When someone is ready to escape exploitation, support needs to be there immediately,” said Sen. Nangle. “Maine has always stepped up when our neighbors are in crisis, and this bill makes sure survivors aren’t left without help because of a delay that’s completely outside their control.”

LD 2136 would provide a one-year 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, but the Trump administration withheld.

Preble Street’s most recent three-year federal grant expired on September 30, 2025. Normally, the next grant opportunity would have opened in April, with new funds beginning October 1. Instead, the U.S. Department of Justice delayed the grant competition for more than nine months and provided no public explanation.

That delay shifted the entire funding timeline forward, creating a gap year that will not be retroactively funded. Even if future federal grants are awarded, the lost months of funding will not be restored.

Without state action, that hole remains permanent. As a direct result, 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.

LD 2136 now heads to the full Legislature for consideration.

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.

###