The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 16-6-26, which allows hotels and public lodging establishments to provide annual human trafficking awareness training to their employees. This training is specifically aimed at employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk. Additionally, by January 1, 2026, these establishments are required to implement procedures for reporting suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline or local law enforcement, and to post a public awareness sign in a conspicuous location that provides information on how to seek help for victims of human trafficking.

The bill outlines the minimum content of the human trafficking awareness training, which includes definitions of human trafficking, guidance on identifying potential victims, and instructions on how employees should respond to suspected cases. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create a private cause of action for individuals, nor does it alter existing remedies available to survivors of human trafficking. Furthermore, it authorizes the Bureau for Public Health to propose rules necessary for implementing these provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-6-26
Committee Substitute: 16-6-26