Bill
H 3796
Requires standardized public signs in state highways and transit facilities with National Human Trafficking Hotline info to raise awareness and provide help.
Status (as provided)
- Introduced/read first time: 01/28/2025
- Referred to Committee on Judiciary: 01/28/2025
- Referred to Committee on Transportation: 02/27/2025
- Senate concurred: 02/27/2025
- Hearing scheduled: 10/07/2025 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM, A‑1)
Note: the legislative action timeline in the materials contains some inconsistent dates; the items above reflect those supplied.
Overview / purpose
- The bill requires standardized signage alerting the public to the National Human Trafficking Hotline to be displayed in Massachusetts state highway and mass‑transit facilities and vehicles open to the public. The goal is to increase public awareness of human trafficking and provide a clear resource for potential victims or witnesses.
Key provisions
- New Section 31A added to Chapter 6C, Section 31 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
- The Office of Planning and Programming must provide a sample sign, approved by the general manager.
- Sign specifications:
- Minimum size: 8½ inches high by 11 inches wide.
- Required wording (or substantially the same) including:
- A warning that obtaining forced labor or services is a crime under Massachusetts law;
- Examples of activities (commercial sex, housework, farm work, etc.);
- The National Human Trafficking Hotline number: 1‑888‑373‑7888;
- Notice that callers can remain anonymous and the Hotline is available 24/7.
- Language requirements: provided in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Portuguese, and “any other language as recommended” by the Office of Planning and Programming. The English text must occupy at least one‑half of the sign.
- Placement: display in all state highway and mass‑transit facilities and vehicles open to the public, including restrooms, in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public and employees.
- The Office of Planning and Programming must periodically—and at least annually—consult with the Attorney General about whether additional languages should be included.
Who would be affected
- Agencies responsible for implementation: Massachusetts Office of Planning and Programming, the General Manager (of the relevant agency), MassDOT, MBTA and other state-operated transit systems and facilities.
- Employees and users of state highway rest areas, transit stations and vehicles (commuters, travelers, potential trafficking victims).
- Attorney General’s office (consultative role).
- Fiscal/administrative impact: primarily one‑time and recurring costs for design, printing, installation and replacement of signs; no appropriation is specified in the bill text.
Implementation & timeline notes
- The bill sets design and language standards but does not specify an implementation deadline or funding mechanism. The annual consultation with the Attorney General is required to assess language needs.
- Placement includes both facilities and vehicles; agencies will need to develop deployment and maintenance plans.
Potential impacts
- Increased visibility of the trafficking hotline could help victims or bystanders locate assistance more quickly.
- Administrative costs for producing and posting signs statewide (printing, installation, translation, periodic updates).
- Practical considerations: where in vehicles/restrooms signs will be mounted, accessibility/readability, and ensuring translations remain accurate and culturally appropriate.
Important caveat about the provided materials
- The packet supplied also contains duplicated text of a South Carolina draft law titled “Legal Personhood” (prohibiting governmental recognition of personhood for non‑human entities). That SC text appears unrelated to Massachusetts H.3796 and does not form part of the Massachusetts bill described above.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
