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H 4360

Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, retirement

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 122 co-sponsors

Hosped near: The bill requires qualified lodging workers to complete AG-approved human trafficking recognition training.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 4360

Summary: H 4360 – An Act requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers

Overview

H 4360, titled “An Act requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers,” would add a new Section 6C to Chapter 140 of the General Laws. The bill requires training for employees of certain lodging establishments (defined as “qualified accommodations”) and directs the Attorney General (AG) to approve training programs, provide notices, and oversee implementation through regulations. The bill was introduced in 2025 and, as of the latest status provided, has been read and referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Purpose and intent

  • To reduce human trafficking by ensuring hospitality workers at eligible lodging establishments can recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations.
  • To standardize training content, provide accessible notices for patrons, and centralize oversight through the AG.

Key provisions

  • Definition: “Qualified accommodation” includes hotels, motels, lodging houses, and bed-and-breakfasts as defined in Chapter 64G, Section 1, but excludes facilities exempt from the room occupancy excise under Chapter 64G, Section 2.

  • Training obligation (Section 6C(b)):

    • Every licensed innholder operating a qualified accommodation must ensure every employee completes a human trafficking recognition training program.
    • Training must be approved by the Attorney General and delivered by organizations or providers approved by the AG (and listed as eligible per subsection (d)(1)).
    • Training may be integrated into the innkeeper’s existing training programs.

  • Posting requirement (Section 6C(c)):

    • Innkeepers must post a written notice in a clearly visible place in the lobby/common area and in any public restroom.
    • The notice is developed by the AG.

  • Approved training programs (Section 6C(d)):

    • The AG must maintain a list of approved programs that meet defined criteria; programs may be developed by federal, state, or nonprofit organizations.
    • Required training content includes:
    • The nature of human trafficking.
    • Definitions of human trafficking as per Chapters 265, Sections 50 and 51.
    • How to identify a human trafficking victim as defined in Chapter 233, Section 20M.

  • Notice content (Section 6C(e)):

    • The AG must develop a standard written notice, including the national human trafficking hotline and other resources determined by the AG.

  • Implementation (Section 6C(f)):

    • The AG shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement the section.

Who is affected

  • Licensed innholders operating qualified accommodations (hotels, motels, lodging houses, and B&Bs) in Massachusetts.
  • All employees of those qualified accommodations.
  • Patrons and visitors who may encounter trafficking indicators (through the posted notices).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill requires AG oversight (approval of training programs, posting notices, development of standardized notices, and rulemaking).
  • No explicit phase-in date is specified in the text provided; compliance would follow once AG regulations and lists of approved programs are in effect.
  • Status changes: The House version was reported with amendments and passed to engrossment in July 2025; the current status shown here notes the bill has been read and referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Practical considerations and potential impact

  • Compliance costs for innkeepers: training completion for all employees; potential integration into existing training.
  • Administrative burden on the AG to maintain approved program lists and publish standardized notices.
  • Enhanced public safety and trafficking awareness in the lodging sector.
  • Clear penalties or enforcement mechanisms are not specified in the summary text; these would likely be addressed in accompanying regulations.

If you’d like, I can compare this to similar existing measures in Massachusetts or summarize anticipated regulatory steps once the AG releases proposed regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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