New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2115

Introduced
1/9/24  
Refer
1/9/24  
Refer
6/6/24  
Report Pass
10/21/24  
Engrossed
3/24/25  
Enrolled
1/12/26  
Chaptered
1/20/26  

Caption

Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.

Impact

If enacted, A2115 will amend existing state laws concerning human trafficking education for public service employees. The new requirement will not only affect public transportation personnel but will also extend to motorbus operators associated with private entities providing regular route services under contract to New Jersey Transit. This change in legislation will reinforce the state’s commitment to combat human trafficking while equipping essential workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2115 aims to address human trafficking through mandated training for public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators in New Jersey. The bill requires these individuals to complete a course focused on identifying and responding to suspected human trafficking cases. Additionally, the training curriculum is set to include essential information about recognizing signs of victims in various settings, such as transport services and hospitality environments. The New Jersey Transit Corporation will oversee the implementation of this training, ensuring compliance among current employees and new hires within specified time frames.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding A2115 appears largely supportive among lawmakers and advocacy groups who view enhanced training as a vital step toward addressing human trafficking in the state. The measure reflects a proactive approach in raising awareness and equipping frontline workers with the necessary tools to identify and report suspicious activities. However, concerns may be raised about the implementation and funding of such programs, which could be potential points of contention among financial stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A2115 may include debates over the adequacy of training resources and the feasibility of compliance within tight timelines for employees and private contractors. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the breadth of the training curriculum and its effectiveness in equipping employees with real-world skills to combat human trafficking. Stakeholders might question if existing training programs are sufficient or if radical changes to the training approach are needed.

Companion Bills

NJ S2814

Same As Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.

NJ A1569

Carry Over Requires public transportation employees to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.

NJ S3520

Carry Over Requires public transportation employees to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2338

Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.

NJ S2245

Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses.

NJ A806

Requires applicants of commercial driver license to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking.

NJ A2163

Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to post public awareness signage in additional establishments.

NJ A3426

Requires BPU members to have certain experience and complete certain training.

NJ A946

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A1406

Requires AG to review Statewide policy regarding investigation of human trafficking.

NJ A2354

Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities.

NJ A1313

Subjects certain rooming and boarding houses to municipal land use regulations; requires owners and operators of cooperative sober living residences to submit certain approvals with license applications.

NJ A2131

Concerns training curriculum for certain NJT motorbus operators.

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