State Representative Lipper-Garabedian Joins Massachusetts House to Pass Bill to Better Identify and Prevent Human Trafficking

Bill will require training for hotel staff to identify human trafficking, raise awareness

BOSTON – Wednesday, July 30, 2025 – Representative Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose) joined the Massachusetts House of Representatives today to pass legislation that 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, in an effort to identify and prevent human trafficking. 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.

“With enhanced training and heightened awareness of existing resources and supports, this bill takes critical steps in preventing and stopping human trafficking,” said State Representative Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “Requiring training programs for hospitality workers across Massachusetts and ensuring prominently posted information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline will increase opportunities to protect vulnerable victims of this inhumane crime."

“One of the primary responsibilities that we have as elected officials is to ensure the safety of our constituents. This legislation provides the tools necessary for our hospitality workers to identify and prevent human trafficking, ultimately saving lives and increasing public safety,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Cahill and Chairman Walsh for advocating for this legislation, as well as all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of these efforts.”

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.

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