AGENDA REPORT
___________________________________________________________________________________
TO: FROM:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Councilmembers Charlene Wang DATE: June 25, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution in support of Assembly Bill 2720
___________________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
COUNCILMEMBERS CHARLENE WANG RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
ADOPT A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 2720 (SCHIAVO) HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIM SUPPORT COORDINATOR IS TO
BE MANDATED IN LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES EMPLOYING MORE THAN 25 PEACE OFFICERS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
As the City of Oakland continues its leadership in protecting our most vulnerable residents, we are proud to affirm that our current infrastructure already aligns with the high standards of survivor-centered care proposed in Assembly Bill 2720 (AB 2720). Authored by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, this bill mandates that law enforcement agencies with more than 25 full-time peace officers designate a "Human Trafficking Victim Support Coordinator." By proactively adopting these protocols, Oakland continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that survivors receive seamless, trauma-informed assistance.
This memorandum outlines the bill's provisions, its legislative journey, and our strategic plan to formalize these existing assets into the mandated framework.
BACKGROUND:
My work on the Oakland City Council has consistently focused on moving beyond mere awareness toward creating systemic, actionable change. AB 2720 aligns with this vision by:
• Improving Continuity of Care: By formalizing the liaison role, we ensure that a survivor’s first encounter with law enforcement is effectively bridged to a network of trauma-informed social services.
• Enhancing Institutional Empathy: The mandate for specialized training ensures that those supporting survivors are equipped to handle the complex, high-stakes nature of human trafficking cases without re-traumatizing the victims.
• Empowering Survivors: Centralizing resources online removes barriers to access, ensuring victims can find support independently and with dignity.
AB 2720 introduces standardized requirements designed to eliminate the fragmentation currently plaguing survivor support systems. The following table details the key compliance deadlines:
Requirement Description Deadline
Coordinator Designation Appoint a dedicated liaison to
connect victims with
community-based organizations.
January 1, 2028
Specialized Training Coordinators must complete
POST-approved trauma-
informed training.
Within 6 months of appointment
Public Transparency Publish coordinator contact info
and local resources on agency
websites.
July 1, 2028
RACIAL AND EQUITY IMPACT:
• Human trafficking disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly women and girls of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. A failure to provide culturally competent, trauma-informed support exacerbates these systemic inequities. By codifying the requirement for a dedicated coordinator, AB 2720 serves as a powerful equity tool:
• Dismantling Barriers: The mandate ensures that survivors from historically underserved populations receive targeted outreach and support, reducing the likelihood of re-victimization by systems that have traditionally failed them.
• Culturally Competent Care: The emphasis on community-based partnerships encourages agencies to work with organizations that deeply understand the racial, socio-economic, and cultural dynamics of the communities they serve.
• Accountability: By standardizing access to information and support across agencies, we reduce the disparity in service quality that often depends on the survivor's geographic location or demographic profile.
CONCLUSION:
Oakland stands as a proven leader in the fight against human trafficking. Because our existing departmental structures and community partnerships already meet—and in many areas, exceed—the rigorous standards set forth by AB 2720, the city is uniquely positioned to model successful compliance.
I invite all advocates and organizational partners to continue collaborating with my office as we maintain Oakland’s dedication to this vital work.
Prepared by: Bridget Ruiz Rivezzo, Policy Director for Councilmember Charlene Wang District 2 contact: [email protected]