Effective July 20, 2023, New York law requires employees of lodging facilities who are likely to interact or come into contact with guests to receive human trafficking recognition training.
Covered Facilities
The law defines “lodging facility” as any inn, hotel, motel, motor court or other establishment that provides lodging to transient guests but does not include those establishments treated as a dwelling unit or ones located within a building that has five or less rooms for rent or hire and is occupied as a residence for the owner.
Training Requirements
A state, federal, or non-profit organization will develop the training, which lodging facilities can incorporate into their existing training programs. However, it can also be provided by another organization as long as it is legally compliant and approved by the state.
Training may be given through in-person instruction, electronic and video communication, or online programs and must address:
- The nature of human trafficking;
- How it is legally defined and how to identify its victims; and
- Contact information, like the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which connects victims of human trafficking to relief options, recovery options, social services, and legal services.
Next Steps for Employers
The state will provide a list of online programs that lodging facilities can use for training. The training must be completed within the first 60 days of work for new employees, and for existing employees, the training must be completed within four months of the law’s effective date (November 20, 2023). The training must take place on the lodging facility’s premises and be considered compensable time.
Lodging facilities must keep on-premises records for the duration of employment plus a year for each employee who was trained.
HR Works will continue to monitor this topic and provide updated information as it becomes available.
