Halpin Bill Would Align Hotels on Anti-Trafficking Efforts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hotels and motels that fail to provide anti-human trafficking training would be barred from receiving government business under legislation passed Thursday by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island. Through the establishment of a certification program, Halpin’s measure aims to direct taxpayer dollars to lodging facilities that are abiding by current training requirements.

“Hotels are unfortunately a fairly common venue for human trafficking, and I’m glad that Illinois law recognizes the need for hotel employees to be trained on how to spot the warning signs of this crime,” said Halpin. “Ideally, all establishments in the hospitality industry would be taking steps to prevent human trafficking, and my bill helps us identify hotels that do have safeguards in place from those that may be more vulnerable to trafficking.”

Halpin’s House Bill 3470 establishes a program through which hotels and motels can receive certification from the Illinois Department of Human Services that they have provided training to their employees on how to recognize and assist victims of human trafficking. This training is already required under current law. Under Halpin’s bill, lodging establishments that do not obtain certification will be barred from receiving state money for either overnight guest stays or conference space.

“Certifying hotels that have provided human trafficking awareness training will ensure taxpayer dollars are supporting businesses that are doing the right thing, and keeps them all on the same page when it comes to anti-trafficking efforts,” said Halpin. “I thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this critical legislation today and look forward to its passage in the Senate.”

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or at rephalpin@gmail.com.