Connecticut House Bill HB05468

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/18
• Refer: 3/7/18

Caption

An Act Concerning Training Of Employees Of Massage Parlors And Massage Therapists To Recognize Victims Of Human Trafficking.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will significantly strengthen state laws related to human trafficking by imposing specific training requirements on a sector that is often exploited. It will amend existing statutes to ensure that operators of establishments that provide massage services are responsible for the education and training of their employees. This is expected to raise awareness not only among employees but also within the communities these establishments serve, potentially leading to improved reporting and intervention in human trafficking cases.

Summary

House Bill 5468 is aimed at addressing the issue of human trafficking within the context of massage services provided in hotels, motels, and similar establishments. The bill mandates that all employees of such venues receive training upon hiring to recognize potential victims of human trafficking and to understand common activities associated with it. The act emphasizes the necessity for ongoing awareness campaigns to reinforce this training among employees, enhancing their ability to identify and act in situations where trafficking might be occurring.

Contention

The introduction of HB 5468 may not be without its challenges, as it places an additional responsibility on business owners and operators. This could lead to debates around the cost of implementing such training programs and the potential burden on small business owners. Furthermore, there may be differing opinions regarding the efficacy of training in truly preventing human trafficking occurrences, as critics might argue that without supportive law enforcement measures, awareness alone may not be sufficient to combat this serious issue.