New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08376

Introduced
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  

Caption

Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

Impact

The implementation of A08376 is expected to have a notable impact on state laws related to human trafficking training and employee education. This bill aligns New York with similar legislative efforts across the country aiming to involve various sectors in the fight against human trafficking. By mandating that employees complete training that covers the nature of human trafficking, identification techniques, and available victim services, the state hopes to ensure that private transportation employees are well-prepared to recognize and respond to trafficking situations, potentially leading to quicker interventions and support for victims.

Summary

Bill A08376 introduces a standardized human-trafficking recognition training program targeting employees of private transportation services in New York. The legislation stipulates that all customer-facing employees, defined as those who interact directly with customers, must undergo this training. The objective of the training is to raise awareness and equip employees with the knowledge to identify and assist potential victims of human trafficking. This act emerges as part of broader efforts to combat human trafficking in the state by fostering a more informed workforce within sectors less likely to be directly involved in trafficking yet likely to encounter victims.

Contention

The bill, however, may face challenges concerning the feasibility of training implementation and the associated costs for private transportation companies. Critics may argue that while the goal of the bill is laudable, the burden of responsibility placed on employees could detract from their primary job duties. Furthermore, there might be discussions on the efficacy of training and whether it can genuinely result in better identification of human trafficking cases or if more comprehensive measures are needed. Nonetheless, the overall aim remains to empower employees to act in situations where they suspect human trafficking, thus potentially saving lives.

Companion Bills

NY S00498

Same As Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

Previously Filed As

NY S00498

Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

NY A09618

Requires state and municipal police academy course training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking; requires public transportation authorities and contractors to provide training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking.

NY A10834

Requires bus drivers complete a human trafficking recognition training program which includes the nature of human trafficking; how human trafficking is defined in law; how to identify someone who is human trafficking; how to identify someone who is a human trafficking victim; and entities to whom a driver may report suspected activity that might constitute human trafficking.

NY LB320

Require hotels and similar public lodging establishments to display posters relating to human trafficking, provide for training regarding recognition of human trafficking for employees of such establishments, and limit liability for human trafficking activity at such establishments

NY HB1678

Requires lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training to employees

NY S08193

Relates to the composition of the interagency task force on human trafficking and when such reports shall be submitted.

NY S3946

Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

NY A4796

Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

NY SB1365

Requires lodging establishments and short-term rental properties to provide human trafficking awareness training to its employees and report suspected human trafficking

NY S06505

Directs the division of criminal justice services, in consultation with the office of temporary and disability assistance, to establish a universal, statewide human trafficking hotline to provide individuals in the state access to appropriate counselling and services for human trafficking victims.

Similar Bills

CA SB1022

Human trafficking: California Multidisciplinary Alliance to Stop Trafficking Act.

CA AR5

Relative to National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

NJ A4152

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

NJ S379

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

DE HCR4

Recognizing The Month Of January 2025 As "human Trafficking Awareness Month" In Delaware.

CA SCR10

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.