The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 971, aims to enhance the oversight of hotels, motels, and inns to prevent and combat human trafficking. It mandates that the Department of Consumer Protection take on the responsibility of overseeing these establishments specifically for this purpose. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for imposing civil penalties on the owners of hotels, motels, and inns that do not comply with existing laws or regulations designed to combat human trafficking.

The bill does not specify any deletions from current law but focuses on the insertion of new responsibilities for the Department of Consumer Protection. By requiring oversight and the imposition of penalties, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding human trafficking prevention in the hospitality industry.