- Law mandates anti-trafficking training for hotels.
- AAHOA and PR&LA welcome the new law.
- The law sets a training standard across lodging.
PENNSYLVANIA ENACTED A new law requiring human trafficking awareness training for hospitality employees. AAHOA and the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association welcomed the law, saying it helps hospitality workers identify and report suspected trafficking.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1286, sponsored by Rep. Regina Young, expanding Pennsylvania's human trafficking awareness requirements to hotels, motels, short-term rentals, booking platforms and certain contract workers. The law requires employees with guest contact or room access to complete approved training every two years, while short-term rental operators also must complete the training and booking platforms must verify compliance.
"Human trafficking is an evil practice that happens all across the country, and Pennsylvania is not immune to it," Young said in an earlier statement supporting the legislation. "Requiring training for lodging employees and online reservation platforms is a critical step toward helping hospitality professionals recognize warning signs and report suspected trafficking. We must do all we can to end this heinous crime."
The legislation expands anti-trafficking requirements to hotels, motels and short-term rentals, creating a common training standard across the lodging industry. Industry leaders said it will help hospitality workers recognize and report suspected human trafficking across all property types.
AAHOA endorses the bill
AAHOA supported House Bill 1286 and has advocated human trafficking prevention training across the hospitality industry. The association said consistent training requirements for hotels and short-term rentals will help identify and report suspected trafficking.
Rahul Patel, AAHOA chairman, said the association supports the legislation.
"Hotel owners want to do the right thing, but awareness and training are essential,” Patel said. “This legislation gives hospitality employees the knowledge to recognize the warning signs and respond appropriately. Every step we take to raise awareness helps protect vulnerable individuals and strengthen our communities."
The law requires human trafficking awareness training across Pennsylvania's lodging industry, including hotels, motels and short-term rentals. It establishes a common standard for identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking.
"Human trafficking has no place in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania's hospitality industry is proud to be part of the solution," said Joe Massaro, PR&LA president and CEO. "We applaud the Pennsylvania General Assembly for advancing and passing PRLA priority and industry-backed legislation, House Bill 1286, which expands anti-human trafficking training across the lodging industry and brings us one step closer to making it law. This legislation reflects our shared commitment to protecting people, saving lives, and ensuring our tourism industry operates responsibly."
AAHOA said it has supported anti-human trafficking efforts through education, advocacy and partnerships. The association provides hotel owners and employees with training and resources to identify and report suspected trafficking.
Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO, said the hospitality industry can help combat human trafficking through education and awareness.
“This is an important step forward and we hope to see more states follow Pennsylvania's lead," she said.
In June, Indian-origin hotel worker Kavankumar Patel was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in the U.S. for sex trafficking a minor. He was convicted on two counts related to offenses committed at the AmericInn hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked.
