Massachusetts Passes, Pennsylvania Proposes Hospitality Human Trafficking Training Bills

Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are advancing legislation to mandate human trafficking recognition training for hospitality workers, including those in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. Massachusetts House Bill 4360 requires licensed innholders to establish training programs and post National Human Trafficking Hotline signage, exempting small-scale lodging with three rooms or fewer and Airbnb-type rentals. In Pennsylvania, House Bill 1286, championed by State Representative Regina Young and supported by a bipartisan group of legislators and industry leaders, aims to create uniform training standards across all public lodging establishments, including third-party rental platforms, with penalties for noncompliance. The Pennsylvania bill is particularly urgent given the region's vulnerability due to major transportation hubs and upcoming large-scale events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America's Semiquincentennial. Advocates emphasize the critical role hospitality workers play in identifying and reporting trafficking, with training developed in consultation with law enforcement and industry groups to enhance community safety. Both states' efforts reflect a broader commitment within the hospitality industry to combat human trafficking through education and awareness.