Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
News : Recent Press Releases     Op-Ed     Publications     About the Legislative Press Bureau Printer Friendly View
6/15/2021 House OKs Diaz legislation that would require hotels to post notices to prevent human trafficking
STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) that would require the posting of notices in hotels with a number to call when witnessing signs of human trafficking.

The Human Trafficking Prevention Notice Act (2021-H 5270A) would be applicable to hotels, requiring them to post in a location conspicuous to their employees human trafficking awareness signage on their premises.

“Traffickers especially target vulnerable children who suffer from abuse,” said Representative Diaz. “It’s difficult to find statistics, but some estimate between 100,000 and 2 million children are trafficked in this country. This law will not only give victims an extra layer of protection by promoting awareness among hotel employees, it will also encourage greater awareness of the dangers of trafficking in the community.”

Under the legislation, the notices would provide information regarding the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline. The number is operated by a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that is anonymous and confidential. The hotline is accessible in 170 languages and is able to provide help, referral to services, training and general information.

The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2021-S 0408) has been introduced by Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).


For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922