BOSTON - July 30, 2025 - In an effort to identify and prevent human trafficking, Representative Mike Connolly joined his Cambridge and Somerville colleagues in the House today to pass H.4360, An Act requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers. This 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.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that hides in plain sight. By equipping hospitality workers with the tools and training to recognize the signs, this legislation takes a critical step toward early intervention," Representative Mike Connolly said. "I am grateful for the collaboration of the hospitality industry, labor, and survivor advocates, in their support for this simple yet effective intervention.”

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.