A new California law that took effect in January 2019 requires workers in certain industries to undergo training on how to identify victims of human trafficking. The law is designed to “encourage employers to take all reasonable steps necessary to lead to the rescue of human trafficking victims and prevent any kind of human trafficking in their establishments.”
In 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SB970, which requires hotels and motels subject to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to provide at least 20 minutes of classroom or other effective interactive training and education regarding human trafficking awareness to each employee likely to interact or come into contact with victims of human trafficking. This requirement includes employees who work in a reception area, perform housekeeping duties, help customers in moving their possessions or drive customers.
The training needs to last at least 20 minutes and include the following:
- The definition of human trafficking and commercial exploitation of children.
- Guidance on how to identify individuals who are most at risk for human trafficking.
- The difference between labor and sex trafficking specific to the hotel sector.
- Guidance on the role of hospitality employees in reporting and responding to this issue.
- The contact information of appropriate agencies, including, but not limited to, the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free telephone number, 1-888-373-7888, and text line, 233-733, and the telephone numbers of the appropriate local law enforcement agencies.
Current employees need to receive the training by January 1, 2020. New employees must receive the training within six months of starting their new position, and all employees who are likely to interact or come into contact with victims of human trafficking must receive the training every two years
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