WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5216

Requires hotels to establish telecommunications system that connects callers directly to NJ Human Trafficking Hotline; requires hotel employees to report human trafficking alerts to law enforcement.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires hotels to provide direct guest-room dialing to NJ Human Trafficking Hotline and for staff to report alerts to law enforcement.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5216

Overview

A5216 (NJ Assembly, 222nd Legislature) would require hotels in New Jersey to implement a direct-connection telecommunications feature to the New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline and mandate hotel employees to report trafficking alerts to law enforcement. The bill aims to improve direct access to trafficking resources for guests and to strengthen prompt reporting by hotel staff.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a guaranteed, direct line from guest room telephones to the New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline (operated by the Division of Criminal Justice) when callers dial the number "4-8."
  • Improve immediate awareness and reporting of potential trafficking situations by requiring hotel employees to report alerts received via the system to law enforcement.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:
    • Clarifies terms for the act, including “hotel,” “guest room,” “guest room telephone,” and “hotel employee.”
  • Telecommunications system requirements (Section 2a):
    • Hotel owners must establish and maintain a system enabling dialing "4-8" from a guest room telephone to connect directly to the NJ Human Trafficking Hotline.
    • At least one guest room telephone must be installed and operational in each guest room.
  • System features (Section 2b):
    • The system must be approved by the Commissioner of Community Affairs and registered on forms provided by the Department of Community Affairs.
    • The system must can provide an alert to hotel employees when "4-8" is dialed, and employees receiving alerts must immediately report to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
  • Exemptions (Section 2c):
    • The Commissioner may exempt certain hotels or similar establishments based on factors such as size, availability of guest room telephones, or other criteria.
  • Regulatory framework (Section 2d):
    • The Commissioner, in consultation with the Attorney General, will adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to effectuate the act.
  • Effective date (Section 3):
    • The act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment, with possible anticipatory action by the Commissioner to implement provisions sooner.

Who is affected

  • Hotels and other buildings that qualify as hotels under New Jersey law or are registered with the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
  • Hotel guests who can access the hotline directly from guest rooms.
  • Hotel employees who would receive alerts and must report suspected trafficking activity to law enforcement.
  • The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and local law enforcement agencies, which would receive reports via the hotline and employee alerts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: June 4, 2026.
  • Referral: Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee.
  • Effective date: Four months after enactment (with potential earlier action by the Commissioner).

Additional considerations

  • Exemption criteria may affect smaller hotels or facilities with limited telephone access.
  • Implementation will require coordination between hotel operators, the Department of Community Affairs, and law enforcement partners.
  • Rules and regulations would be established under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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

Sign in to ask a question.