New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00498

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

Summary

Bill S00498 aims to amend the social services law in New York by establishing a standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for employees of private transportation services. This program will be mandatory for all customer-facing employees across various transportation sectors, including rail, motorbus, and ferry services. The training will be developed by the division of criminal justice services in collaboration with the office of temporary and disability assistance, and will cover crucial topics such as the nature of human trafficking, legal definitions, victim identification, and available support services for survivors.

Impact

The implementation of this bill will enhance the state's efforts to combat human trafficking by equipping employees in the private transportation sector with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations. It will establish a new requirement within the social services law, thereby influencing the operational protocols of private transportation services and potentially leading to better outcomes for victims of trafficking.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S00498 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical social issue and aims to provide essential training that could help mitigate human trafficking. Discussions indicate a recognition of the importance of training in public-facing roles, although specific voting history and detailed committee discussions are not available to provide further insights into dissenting opinions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its proactive approach to human trafficking, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics, such as the training program's effectiveness and the potential burden on private transportation companies to comply with the new requirements. Stakeholders in the transportation industry may express apprehension about the costs and resources needed to facilitate this training.

Companion Bills

NY A08376

Same As Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

Previously Filed As

NY A08376

Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

NY S09170

Requires state and municipal police academy course training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking; requires public transportation authorities and contractors to provide training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking.

NY A09618

Requires state and municipal police academy course training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking; requires public transportation authorities and contractors to provide training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking.

NY A10834

Requires bus drivers complete a human trafficking recognition training program which includes the nature of human trafficking; how human trafficking is defined in law; how to identify someone who is human trafficking; how to identify someone who is a human trafficking victim; and entities to whom a driver may report suspected activity that might constitute human trafficking.

NY LB320

Require hotels and similar public lodging establishments to display posters relating to human trafficking, provide for training regarding recognition of human trafficking for employees of such establishments, and limit liability for human trafficking activity at such establishments

NY HB1678

Requires lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training to employees

NY HB7234

Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026

NY A4796

Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

NY S3946

Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

NY SB922

Requiring public lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training for employees

Similar Bills

CA SB1022

Human trafficking: California Multidisciplinary Alliance to Stop Trafficking Act.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

CA AR5

Relative to National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

NJ A4152

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

NJ S379

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

DE HCR4

Recognizing The Month Of January 2025 As "human Trafficking Awareness Month" In Delaware.

CA ACR9

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.