North Shore Lawmakers' Hotel Human Trafficking Bill Passes MA House 158-0

PEABODY, MA — A bill that would require human trafficking recognition training for some hospitality workers in hotels and motels, co-sponsored by North Shore lawmakers, passed the House of Representatives in a unanimous vote this week.

Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody), Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers) and Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) co-sponsored the bill that empowers the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking and also requires a visual warning of trafficking dangers to be displayed in the lobby and public restrooms in every hotel, motel and bed & breakfast in the state.

The bill mandates that all hospitality staff participate in an approved training program designed to identify and report human trafficking, and requires the posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) in overnight accommodations.

"I've seen firsthand how human traffickers exploit the I-95 corridor, using hotels to transport and harm victims," Walsh said in a statement to Patch. "We took a meaningful step forward to eradicate the crime of human trafficking, uphold human dignity, and ensure justice and protection for victims. I appreciate the cooperation and collaboration of the lodging industry, hospitality workers' union, law enforcement, and survivor advocates in crafting this bill."

Walsh said he was also grateful for the work of the Peabody Police Department, and specifically Lt. David Bonfanti and Sgt. D.J. Murphy, "to ensure that these victims receive the attention and assistance they deserve."

Human trafficking occurs when individuals are compelled to work or provide services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, known as labor trafficking, and when individuals are compelled to engage in commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

The federal Department of Homeland Security states that traffickers often take advantage of the privacy and anonymity accessible through the hospitality industry, making hotels and motels especially attractive locations for all forms of trafficking. In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported receiving 288 signals from Massachusetts — 91 of these signals were from victims or survivors of human trafficking.

The legislation now goes before the Senate for consideration.

(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.)