Torres’ human trafficking training bill moves forward
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Places of accommodation would be required to train their staff on identifying and dealing with human trafficking if a bill passed by the Washington State Senate becomes law.
Sen. Nikki Torres (R-Pasco) said an influx of human trafficking follows big events that bring in large numbers of people such as the 2026 World Cup in which Seattle will be one of the tournament’s host cities.
“This bill is about helping prepare hotel employees, who are usually the first to see human trafficking first-hand but may not recognize the signs,” Torres said.
Senate Bill 6056 would require hotels, motels, and resorts to provide annual training regarding human trafficking to each of their employees by Feb. 1, 2025. Training for new employees would have to happen no later than 90 days after beginning employment.
It would also require that every accommodation post signs regarding human-trafficking awareness and implement procedures for the voluntary reporting of suspected human trafficking, along with establishing an employee policy guide on human-trafficking prevention. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
