HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing Oct. 2 on legislation that would require hospitality industry employees to be trained to recognize and report signs of human trafficking.
The hearing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon at the Holiday Inn Express in Essington and will also be livestreamed. Lawmakers will take testimony on House Bill 1286, introduced by Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware. The measure mandates trafficking awareness training for employees of hotels, motels, online lodging services, reservation platforms, and similar businesses.
“Hotels, motels and other temporary lodging are some of the most common venues where human trafficking occurs, often hidden in plain sight – reminding us that vigilance, training and awareness in the hospitality industry are critical to saving lives,” Young said.
Committee Chair Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, said the legislation could serve as a critical tool in addressing trafficking across the state. “This bill would be a lifeline for many people,” she said.
Human trafficking remains a significant concern in Pennsylvania. Data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts show that between 2020 and 2024, there were 1,235 trafficking-related offenses filed across 366 cases statewide.
The committee will hear from advocates, experts, and industry representatives before the bill advances to the full House for consideration.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.