Requires transportation network company drivers to complete anti-human trafficking training course.
Impact
This bill will significantly impact state laws by integrating mandatory training into the onboarding and ongoing certification processes for TNC drivers. Under the provisions of A560, each TNC must implement the course within 90 days of the bill's effective date. Failure to comply with these requirements will lead to restrictions on drivers' ability to operate under the TNC's digital platform until proper certification is provided. By mandating such training, the New Jersey Legislature aims to reduce the prevalence of human trafficking through informed citizens within the ride-sharing community.
Summary
Assembly Bill A560, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that transportation network company (TNC) drivers and applicants complete an anti-human trafficking training approved by the Attorney General. This legislation aims to enhance awareness and reporting protocols around human trafficking, ensuring that TNC drivers are equipped with the knowledge to recognize and act in situations where they might encounter trafficking. The training must include comprehensive content covering the definition of human trafficking, guidance on reporting suspicious activities, and the role drivers play in combating this issue.
Contention
While the push for increased protection against human trafficking is largely supported, there may be concerns related to the economic and operational impacts on TNCs. Opponents could argue that the additional training requirement may lead to increased operational costs for TNCs, potentially resulting in higher fares or reduced driver availability as compliance is enforced. Moreover, there may be debates surrounding the effectiveness of such training in actual trafficking prevention versus the need to allocate resources toward law enforcement training and community awareness initiatives.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Requires public transportation employees to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.
Relating to the punishment for trafficking of persons, online solicitation of a minor, and prostitution and to the dissemination of certain information, including the required posting of certain signs, regarding human trafficking; increasing criminal penalties; providing a civil penalty.