Kings County Times

Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) introduced the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act. The legislation establishes an annual certification program under the Blue Campaign at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to incentivize employers in covered industries to complete human trafficking awareness training.

“California has the highest number of reported human trafficking cases of any state in the country, and it’s impacting communities right here in the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “Employees in the entertainment, hospitality, and transportation industries are often the first line of defense in detecting human trafficking, and it’s critical they have the necessary training to spot indicators of this crime and save lives. We must continue working together at the local, state, and federal level to raise awareness and bring an end to this growing and disturbing crime.”

“New Orleans is a hub for tourism, and as a result increased rates of human trafficking. This bipartisan bill recognizes employers who are trained to identify and respond to signs of human trafficking, harnessing the power of industries such as entertainment, hospitality, and transportation, where staff are often the first to spot potential trafficking scenarios. This initiative honors the commitment of businesses actively working to combat these crimes and encourages more companies to join the cause. We must do everything in our power to prevent the sale and transportation of human lives,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act is supported by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the American Gaming Association (AGA).

“Businesses across hospitality, entertainment, and transportation have a responsibility to bolster the front lines in the fight against human trafficking and the gaming industry is wholly committed to this imperative,” said AGA president and CEO Bill Miller. “The AGA thanks Reps. Valadao and Carter for their commitment to combating this detestable crime and for recognizing businesses that share this commitment.”

The Blue Campaign, housed within DHS’ Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), aims to equip the public, law enforcement, and private sector with awareness trainings and resources to reduce human trafficking crimes nationwide. While the Blue Campaign offers tools to help combat trafficking, it currently lacks an initiative for recognizing businesses that have trained their employees to recognize suspected human trafficking.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2024:

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Blue Campaign Certification Program to incentivize employers in covered industries to encourage employees to complete human trafficking awareness training. The Blue Campaign would provide eligible employers with a certificate of completion valid for one year.

Requires a report be submitted to appropriate committees within two years after enactment.

Amends Homeland Security Act of 2002 by requiring Blue Campaign coordination with experts from private sector, academic institutions, other covered industries for development.

Read a one-page summary [here](link). Read full text [here](link).

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