Massachusetts House Passes Bill to Better Identify and Prevent Human Trafficking

Bill will require training for hotel staff to identify human trafficking, raise awareness

Special to The Advocate

BOSTON – In an effort to identify and prevent human trafficking, the Massachusetts House of Representatives recently passed legislation that requires lodging facilities, such as hotels, motels, lodging houses, and bed-and-breakfasts, to require their employees to participate in a human trafficking recognition training program. The bill also requires these facilities to post in plain view in the lobby or common area, and in any public restroom, a written notice developed by the Attorney General, which should include the national human trafficking hotline number.

“One of the primary responsibilities that we have as elected officials is to ensure the safety of our constituents. This legislation provides the tools necessary for our hospitality workers to identify and prevent human trafficking, ultimately saving lives and increasing public safety,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Cahill and Chairman Walsh for advocating for this legislation, as well as all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of these efforts.”

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that often hides in plain sight. By equipping frontline hotel employees with the tools and training to recognize the signs, we are taking a critical step toward prevention and early intervention,” said Representative Dan Cahill (D-Lynn), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. “This legislation sends a clear message that Massachusetts is committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding traffickers accountable.”

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that thrives in secrecy and silence and we cannot allow that to continue in Massachusetts,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “By requiring hospitality workers to be trained to recognize the signs and know how to respond, we are empowering them to be part of the solution. This legislation is a vital step toward protecting vulnerable individuals, holding traffickers accountable, and ensuring that our Commonwealth is not a place where this kind of exploitation can hide.”

“Human trafficking is both illegal and immoral. This legislation takes an important step to eliminate this scourge on our society,” said Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop).

“I’ve seen firsthand how human traffickers exploit the I-95 corridor, using hotels to transport and harm victims.  This afternoon, we took a meaningful step forward to eradicate the crime of human trafficking, uphold human dignity, and ensure justice and protection for victims.  I appreciate the cooperation and collaboration of the lodging industry, hospitality workers’ union, law enforcement, and survivor advocates in crafting this bill”, said Representative Thomas P. Walsh (D-Peabody), sponsor of the bill. “I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Mariano on this important cause and to Chair Michlewitz, Chair Cahill, and Division Chair González for their efforts in preparing this legislation for today’s vote.”

In 2024, there were 288 signals received by the National Human Trafficking Hotline from Massachusetts, out of which 91 were from victims or survivors of human trafficking. There were 115 human trafficking cases identified in Massachusetts in 2024, which involved 326 victims, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

The training program for lodging employees required by this bill must be approved by the Attorney General and provided by an organization or provider from a list approved by the AG. The program must include training on: the nature of human trafficking; how human trafficking is defined under Massachusetts or federal law; and how to identify victims of human trafficking.

The bill passed the House of Representatives 158-0 and now goes to the Senate for its consideration.