California law will soon address human trafficking issue

California will soon take one step forward in it's efforts to address sexual and human trafficking within manufacturing supply chains. Consumers who are fighting diligently against this evil practice commend California for leading the way in this fight.  Government and consumer sanctions against manufacturers, who turn a blind eye to trafficking in exchange for a better bottom line, are powerful ways to begin to chip away at this existing global evil practice.  Be a smart AND socially responsible consumer. Check a company's social responsibility commitment before buying. Use the power of your dollar to join the fight, by purchasing only from manufacturers who hold their employees and suppliers accountable to human respect and dignity.

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California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010

SB657

Effective January 1, 2012, every retail seller and manufacturer doing business in California and having annual worldwide gross receipts that exceed one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) must disclose its efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking (SHT) from its direct supply chain for tangible goods offered for sale.

Details about this disclosure:

1.  Must be posted on company website

2.  If no company website is available, then the disclosure must be made available within 30  days of a consumer's request.

2.   A link to the disclosure information must be placed on website homepage

3.   An extensive SHT program is not being required, but companies are required to disclose (at minimum) to what extent, if any, they do in each of the following areas:

• Identify Risks in supply chain, sources, products and services
• Conduct unannounced audits (third-party verification is most acceptable method)
• Obligate your direct suppliers (and their supply chain) to certify that they comply with country’s laws on slavery and human trafficking
• Develop internal accountability practices for employees and suppliers who fail to comply
• Train employees in charge of supply chain management, to understand what slavery and human trafficking includes and how to mitigate the risk is in their supply chain.

4.  The Franchise Tax Board will supply the Attorney General with a list of retail sellers and manufacturers required to disclose.

5.  The list will be based on tax returns filed for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

6.  Each list will be submitted annually to the Attorney General by November 30, 2012, and each November 30 thereafter.

7.  The list will be derived from original tax returns received by the Franchise Tax Board on or before December 31, 2011, and each December 31 thereafter.   

8.  Violations enforced by the Attorney General.