Senate Bill 970 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown and applies exclusively to all hotels and motels with employees in California.

As of July 1, 2019, all hotel/motel employers must to provide at least 20 minutes of training regarding human trafficking awareness to all employees who likely “interact or come into contact with victims of human trafficking” (i.e., receptionists, housekeeping employees, gate keepers, drivers, etc.)

The “human trafficking awareness training” must include information re:

(1) The definition of human trafficking and commercial exploitation of children.

(2) Guidance on how to identify individuals who are most at risk for human trafficking.

(3) The difference between labor and sex trafficking specific to the hotel sector.

(4) Guidance on the role of hospitality employees in reporting and responding to this issue.

(5) 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, 233733, and the telephone numbers of the appropriate local law enforcement agencies.

The training may also include information provided by the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, and other nonprofit organizations that represent the interests of victims of human trafficking.

The training must be completed by January 1, 2020. After January 1, 2020, employers must provide awareness training once every two years, and new hires must be trained within six months of hire.

Employers affected by this new California law should contact an employment attorney for guidance, if there is any confusion.