Sen. Nangle introduces bill to support survivors of human trafficking

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Feb. 4, Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, introduced legislation to ensure survivors of human trafficking in Maine can continue accessing essential support services after a prolonged and unexplained delay in federal funding. LD 2136, “An Act to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine in Response to Federal Funding Cuts,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.

“When someone escapes trafficking, that moment of asking for help can be life-changing,” said Sen. Nangle. “Right now, because of another inexplicable failure at the federal level, we are effectively telling survivors they have to wait for safety. That is unacceptable. This bill makes sure people who have already endured unimaginable trauma can still get the support they need to be safe and start rebuilding their lives.”

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.

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. 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.

LD 2136 faces further action in committee.

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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