This bill mandates that public transportation employees and motorbus operators of private entities contracted by the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) complete a one-time training course focused on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking activities. NJT, in collaboration with the Commission on Human Trafficking, is tasked with developing this training course or approving a similar course from a recognized nonprofit association. The bill stipulates that NJT must define which employees are required to attend the training, review the course every two years, and modify it as necessary. Additionally, NJT has the discretion to waive training requirements for private entities if they provide equivalent training.

The training courses must include information on recognizing signs and signals that victims of human trafficking may exhibit. NJT is responsible for ensuring compliance with the training requirements for its employees and for including a clause in contracts with private entities that mandates their motorbus operators to complete the training, unless waived. The bill also allows for the use of funds from the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" to support the development and distribution of training materials. The act will take effect 90 days after enactment and will not impact existing contracts made prior to its effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:13-12