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 the Department of Consumer Protection to take on the responsibility of overseeing these establishments specifically for this purpose. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows for the imposition of civil penalties on owners of hotels, motels, or 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 establishing these requirements, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the hospitality industry and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to address the serious issue of human trafficking.