(Amending and Superseding Executive Order 2023-26)

WHEREAS, human trafficking is a form of oppression that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act, often targeting vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, both federal and state laws criminalize human trafficking and impose significant penalties on individuals who violate the law; and

WHEREAS, the nature of human trafficking makes it difficult to identify victims; and

WHEREAS, the problem of human trafficking in Arizona persists, and more can and should be done to combat this heinous crime; and

WHEREAS, coordination between federal, state, and local governments, agencies, non-profit organizations, and human service providers is critical to addressing human trafficking; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona (the “Council”) plays an important role in making recommendations on actions to combat human trafficking as well as to facilitate coordination between all levels of government, non-profit organizations, and other interested parties; and

WHEREAS, tribal communities are uniquely affected by human trafficking and tribal partners deserve representation on this council.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Arizona Constitution and laws of this State, hereby renew the Council and order and direct as follows:

1. The Governor shall designate one or more members to serve as Chair/Co-Chairs.
2. The Council shall be comprised of the following members who are appointed by and serve, without compensation, at the pleasure of the Governor. Membership shall include, but is not limited to:
   1. One representative from the Arizona Department of Public Safety;
   2. One representative from the Arizona Department of Transportation;
   3. One representative from the Arizona Department of Child Safety;
   4. One representative from the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family;
   5. One representative from the Arizona Department of Health Services or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System;
   6. One representative from the Arizona Office of Tourism;
   7. One representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office;
   8. One representative from an urban County Attorney’s office;
   9. One representative from a rural County Attorney’s office;
   10. One representative from the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts;
   11. Two representatives of law enforcement agencies who specialize in crimes relating to human trafficking;
   12. Two representatives from non-profit organizations that are involved in programs or services related to human trafficking;
   13. One representative from an organization that specializes in services for survivors of labor trafficking;
   14. One survivor of human trafficking;
   15. Two representatives from tribal entities who work with survivors or suspected victims of human trafficking;
   16. Six members of the public; and
   17. Such other members as the Governor determines are appropriate.
3. The Council shall:
   1. Collect and analyze data on human trafficking in the State of Arizona;
   2. Develop recommendations to provide human trafficking victims with appropriate services;
   3. Foster greater collaboration among law enforcement, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and the community at large to more effectively address human trafficking statewide;
   4. Promote public awareness about human trafficking, victim services, and prevention; and
   5. Work to develop and facilitate training for first responders, law enforcement, and other professionals who may come into contact with human trafficking and/or victims of human trafficking.
4. The Chair/Co-Chairs may form an executive committee or other sub-committees, as necessary.
5. The Council shall prepare an annual progress report for submission to the Governor by January 31 of each year.
6. The Council will be reviewed no later than December 31, 2027, to determine appropriate action for its continuance, modification, or termination.
7. This Executive Order shall not confer any legal rights or remedies upon any person and shall not be used as a basis for legal challenges to any action or inaction of a State Agency, officer, employee, or agent thereof.
8. If any provision of this Executive Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity does not affect any other provision or application of this Executive Order which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are declared to be severable.

This Executive Order amends and supersedes Executive Order 2023-26.