(Framingham – August 5) Representative Jack Patrick Lewis joined House colleagues voting for legislation that furthers efforts to identify and prevent human trafficking. The legislation 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.
“I am proud to join my house colleagues in taking firm action against one of the most horrific crimes imaginable” noted Rep. Jack Lewis (Framingham). “This bill provides the lodging industry with new tools to substantially combat human trafficking before it is carried out, or while it can still be stopped. I would like to thank the Speaker and Chairman Cahill for their work in securing this victory.”
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.
“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,” noted House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (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.”
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.
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