Hotel Human Trafficking Bill Pushed At State House: Rep. Walsh

PEABODY, MA — State Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) joined fellow legislators, hotel industry leaders and human trafficking survivors at a State House news conference to push for passage of a bill that would require human trafficking training across the hospitality industry.

These efforts would ensure that every hotel worker — from the front desk to housekeeping and food service — is equipped to identify and report suspicious activity.

"Human trafficking is a serious issue in Massachusetts, and hotels play a crucial role in preventing it," Walsh said. "I've seen firsthand how traffickers exploit the I-95 corridor, using hotels to transport and harm victims.

"This legislation will ensure front-line hospitality workers are trained to recognize and report trafficking, helping to protect the most vulnerable. I appreciate the collaboration of the lodging industry, law enforcement, and survivor advocates in this fight."

Legislators praised those in the hotel industry that have self-implemented the training in their own chains as they seek to make it standard and required across the industry. Since the American Hotel & Lodging Association launched the 'No Room for Trafficking' initiative in 2019, over 2.2 million trainings have been completed to recognize and respond to trafficking situations.

"Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond appropriately can save lives," said Delia Vega, Policy Specialist and Survivor Mentor of My Life My Choice underscored the importance of training employees. "It can mean the difference between enduring a lifetime of pain and finding safety and justice."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)