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6/18/2025
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Assembly passes Rep. Dawson and Sen. Dimitri’s Human Trafficking Prevention Notice and Training Act
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed the Human Trafficking Prevention Notice and Training Act sponsored by Rep. Matthew S. Dawson and Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri. The legislation would require hotel employees and short-term rental property operators to annually receive human trafficking awareness training.
The legislation (2025-H 5563, 2025-S 0549aa) now heads to the governor for consideration.
“As our awareness of human trafficking has grown over the years, it is imperative that employees and individuals who are in a place where human trafficking may occur be able to recognize the signs of this abhorrent crime. This bill will ensure that these workers have the knowledge to spot human trafficking and know how to report it to the proper authorities, which in turn, will hopefully save lives. The legislation would not be possible without the support of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, and I thank them for their efforts to identify and eliminate the vile scourge of human trafficking,” said Representative Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
“Human trafficking is a despicable crime and we all need to be aware of its existence in order to stop the suffering and exploitation of its victims. Hotel employees and short-term rental operators are uniquely positioned to witness human trafficking, so it’s important that they are able to spot the signs of this crime happening. This bill will do that and hopefully save some lives in the process,” said Senator Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston).
Hotel employees and short-term rental operators would be required to be trained in how to identify individuals at risk for trafficking; on how to identify the signs of trafficking and individuals potentially engaged in the act of trafficking; on the role of hospitality employees in reporting and responding to this issue; and, the contact information for the national human trafficking hotline toll-free number and text line, or contact information for the local law enforcement agency. Hotel employees would also be trained in the differences between labor and sex trafficking.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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