Victims of human trafficking in New York could have more access to social and legal services under a measure approved Thursday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The new law will require law enforcement officials to advise a person who they reasonably believe to be or says they are a victim of human trafficking on the available programs to aid people in those cases.

Agencies wil then offer to connect vicims with program providers, and receiving those services is voluntary.

"Human trafficking is a global epidemic and we must do all we can to end these horrible crimes here in New York," Hochul said. "It is not enough to just put laws in place to prevent trafficking -- we must prioritize supporting survivors and ensure they have the legal and social services resources they need to recover from such a tragic experience."

New York has approved several anti-human trafficking measures in recent years, including the START Act approved last month that is meant to strengthen protections for victims of trafficking.

The bill was sponsored in the Legislature by Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and Sen. Jessica Ramos.

"The time it takes for a survivor of human trafficking to be connected to essential resources -- whether it be mental health support, housing or health care -- can make all the difference," Ramos said.