Bill > S1187

This bill aims to prevent human trafficking by implementing comprehensive public awareness and education strategies across various transportation and healthcare settings in Massachusetts. The legislation requires public transportation systems, including MBTA stations, buses, trains, airports, and ferry terminals, to display signs with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline and basic information about identifying human trafficking. Additionally, the bill mandates anti-human trafficking training for employees in transportation, including bus drivers, ticket collectors, and other staff who interact with the public. The training will cover definitions of human trafficking, signs of trafficking, reporting protocols, and identification of vulnerable populations. The bill also extends these requirements to hospitals, which must display trafficking awareness signs. Furthermore, transportation network companies (like ride-sharing services) must provide educational materials to drivers about human trafficking. The legislation includes punitive measures, such as disqualifying individuals convicted of human trafficking from obtaining commercial motor vehicle licenses and preventing them from sealing their criminal records. Departments are required to develop and implement these regulations within 180 days of the act's effective date, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking through increased awareness and education.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1187