HB 1178

Bill Subjects

Agencies; Department Of Homeland Security (Idhs) Agencies; Generally Civil Law And Procedure; Immunity And Exemption From Liability Civil Law And Procedure; Liabilities, Damages, And Penalties Criminal Law And Procedure; Offenses Against Persons Restaurants And Lodging

Abstract

Requires an owner or operator of a public lodging establishment (establishment) to: (1) provide human trafficking awareness training for employees; (2) post human trafficking awareness signage; and (3) implement procedures for the reporting of suspected human trafficking and a human trafficking prevention policy. Requires the department of homeland security (department) to make a list available on the department's website of approved human trafficking training courses. Provides that an owner, operator, or employee of an establishment that complies in good faith with the requirements is not liable for an act or omission arising out of or related to human trafficking committed by a third party unless the owner, operator, or employee knowingly and willfully assists in the commission of human trafficking. Requires the department to maintain a list of establishments that are not in compliance with the requirements. Requires a state agency to ensure that lodging for an employee of the state agency is booked in an establishment that is not on the list. Requires the department to adopt rules to implement the requirements, including rules establishing a schedule of fines for a violation.