A4740 2R

An Act concerning certain licenses and human trafficking awareness training, designated as “Safe Commercial Routes Act – Commercial Driver Human Trafficking Awareness Training,” and amending P.L.2013, c.51.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

¹[1. Section 19 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.2C:13-12) is amended to read as follows:

b. (1) The Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop, approve, and provide for a one-time training course on the handling and response procedures of suspected human trafficking activities for owners, operators, and staff of hotels and motels as defined in the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.); or alternatively, the department, in consultation with the commission, shall approve a substantially similar one-time training course for use by hotels and motels in providing training to owners, operators, and staff. The department, in consultation with the commission, shall define by regulation which staff positions are required, as a condition of employment, to attend the one-time training course. Verifiable completion of the training course by required staff shall be a condition of issuance, maintenance, or renewal of any license, permit, certificate, or approval required, permitted to be granted, or issued to owners or operators under the provisions of the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.). The training course shall be reviewed at least every two years and modified by the department, in consultation with the commission, from time to time as need may require.

(2) The Department of Community Affairs, through its oversight and enforcement authority provided under the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.), shall be responsible for ensuring that all hotel and motel owners, operators, and required staff attend the one-time training course within one year of the enactment of this section in the case of all current owners, operators, and required staff engaging in their respective profession on the effective date of this section, and within six months of the first day of ownership, operation, or employment for all new owners, operators, and required staff who initially engage in their respective profession on a date that follows the effective date.

(3) The Department of Community Affairs shall make available the training materials for the one-time training course to hotel and motel owners, operators, and required staff in order for the owners, operators, and required staff to fulfill the one-time training requirement set forth in this subsection.

c. (1) The Department of Health, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop, approve, and provide for a one-time training course on the handling and response procedures of suspected human trafficking activities for employees of every licensed health care facility as defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-2), including those professionals whose professional practice is regulated pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes; or alternatively, the department, in consultation with the commission, shall approve for use a substantially similar one-time training course provided by a recognized Statewide nonprofit healthcare trade association with demonstrated experience in providing course offerings to health care facility employees on similar workplace matters. The department, in consultation with the commission and the approved nonprofit course provider, if any, shall define by regulation which employees are required, as a condition of their employment, to attend the one-time training course. Verifiable completion of the training course by required employees shall be a condition of issuance, maintenance, or renewal of any license, permit, certificate, or approval required, permitted to be granted, or issued to licensed health care facilities under the provisions of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et al.). The training course shall be reviewed at least every two years and modified by the department, in consultation with the commission and the approved nonprofit course provider, if any, from time to time as need may require.

(2) The Department of Health, through its oversight and enforcement authority provided under P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et al.), shall be responsible for ensuring that all required employees of licensed health care facilities attend the one-time training course within one year of the enactment of this section in the case of all current employees engaging in their respective profession on the effective date of this section, and within six months of the first day of employment for all new employees who initially engage in their respective profession on a date that follows the effective date. If an approved nonprofit course provider is involved in providing the one-time training course to new employees who initially engage in their respective profession on a date that follows the effective date of this section, then the nonprofit course provider shall provide the training course at least once every six months in order for these employees to meet the six-month training deadline established by this paragraph.

(3) The Department of Health shall make available the training materials for the one-time training course to required employees, or to the approved nonprofit course provider, if any, in order for the required employees to fulfill the one-time training requirement set forth in this subsection.

d. (1) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall develop and approve a training course and a curriculum to raise awareness of judges and judicial personnel on the seriousness of the crime of human trafficking, its impact on human rights, and the need to adequately implement anti-trafficking laws, including not only the prosecution and sentencing of defendants charged with human trafficking, but the need to respect and restore rights and needs of victims of human trafficking. This training course shall be reviewed at least every two years and modified by the Administrative Office of the Courts from time to time as need may require.

(2) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall make the training course, curriculum, and supporting materials available to appropriate judges and judicial personnel who may be involved with the court-related aspects of human trafficking prosecutions through annual in-service judicial training programs or other means.

e. (1) The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop and approve a training course on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities for any individual applying for a commercial driver license, as defined in ¹section 3 of¹ P.L.1990, c.103 (C. ¹[39:3-10.9 et seq.] 39:3-10.11¹). The training course may include or be based on materials developed by ¹[nationally recognized] nationally-recognized¹ organizations with demonstrated experience providing anti-human trafficking course offerings to drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The training course shall include, at a minimum ¹[,] : a clear, plain-language explanation of human trafficking that is consistent with State and federal law; information regarding human trafficking in the commercial transportation industry;¹ information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance ¹[and] ;¹ indicators that may be observed in transportation settings ¹; and guidance on safe and appropriate procedures for reporting suspected human trafficking activity¹ . The chief administrator shall review the training course at least once every two years and modify the training course as the chief administrator deems necessary. The chief administrator shall maintain a list of approved training providers and make free training materials available on the commission’s Internet website. The chief administrator may partner with private-sector stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of the training course.

(2) Beginning 24 months after the effective date of P.L. , c. (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the training course on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities shall also be required for an individual applying to renew a commercial driver license.

(3) The training course shall be no longer than 30 minutes and may be completed:

(a) online through a mobile- or computer-accessible platform;

(b) as part of a certified commercial driver license school curriculum; or

(4) Verifiable completion of the training course shall be submitted electronically to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission prior to the issuance of a commercial driver license in addition to any other licensure requirements set forth in P.L.1990, c.103 (C:39:3-10.9 et ¹[seq] al¹.) or, when applicable, prior to the issuance of a renewal of a commercial driver license. Completion of the training course shall not be required in order to schedule an appointment, submit an application, or take any examination required for licensure.

(5) If an individual who has completed the training course reports, in good faith, suspected human trafficking activity, the individual shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for any such report made in accordance with this subsection.

(6) Three years after the effective date of P.L. , c. (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the chief administrator shall submit a report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature. The report shall include, at a minimum:

(a) the training requirement compliance rates for individuals applying for commercial driver licenses;

(b) the training requirement compliance rates for individuals applying to renew a commercial driver license;

(d) any impacts affecting the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission; and

(e) any recommendations for continuation or amendment to the training requirement.

¹(7) The chief administrator may develop and make available resource materials for individuals who are applying for or who have a commercial driver license. These materials may include a wallet card or digital resources with information on reporting suspected human trafficking activity and relevant contact information.¹

f. Pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-238), the Attorney General, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), may provide for the expenditures of monies from the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" to assist with the development, maintenance, revision, and distribution of training course materials for the courses developed in accordance with this section, and the operation of these training courses.

(cf: P.L.2013, c.51, s.19)]¹

²1. Section 19 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.2C:13-12) is amended to read as follows:

19. a. The Police Training Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety, shall develop and approve, as part of the police training courses required pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), courses of study on the handling, response procedures, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking cases. The courses shall include, at a minimum, a demonstration of and information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance or may be observed by individuals in public spaces. These courses shall be reviewed at least once every two years and modified from time to time as need may require.

b. (1) The Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop, approve, and provide for a one-time training course on the handling and response procedures of suspected human trafficking activities for owners, operators, and staff of hotels and motels as defined in the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.); or alternatively, the department, in consultation with the commission, shall approve a substantially similar one-time training course for use by hotels and motels in providing training to owners, operators, and staff. The department, in consultation with the commission, shall define by regulation which staff positions are required, as a condition of employment, to attend the one-time training course. Verifiable completion of the training course by required staff shall be a condition of issuance, maintenance, or renewal of any license, permit, certificate, or approval required, permitted to be granted, or issued to owners or operators under the provisions of the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.). The training course shall include, at a minimum, a demonstration of and information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance or may be observed by individuals in public spaces. The training course shall be reviewed at least once every two years and modified by the department, in consultation with the commission, from time to time as need may require.

c. (1) The Department of Health, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop, approve, and provide for a one-time training course on the handling and response procedures of suspected human trafficking activities for employees of every licensed health care facility as defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-2), including those professionals whose professional practice is regulated pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes; or alternatively, the department, in consultation with the commission, shall approve for use a substantially similar one-time training course provided by a recognized Statewide nonprofit healthcare trade association with demonstrated experience in providing course offerings to health care facility employees on similar workplace matters. The department, in consultation with the commission and the approved nonprofit course provider, if any, shall define by regulation which employees are required, as a condition of their employment, to attend the one-time training course. Verifiable completion of the training course by required employees shall be a condition of issuance, maintenance, or renewal of any license, permit, certificate, or approval required, permitted to be granted, or issued to licensed health care facilities under the provisions of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et al.). The training course shall include, at a minimum, a demonstration of and information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance or may be observed by individuals in public spaces. The training course shall be reviewed at least once every two years and modified by the department, in consultation with the commission and the approved nonprofit course provider, if any, from time to time as need may require.

d. (1) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall develop and approve a training course and a curriculum to raise awareness of judges and judicial personnel on the seriousness of the crime of human trafficking, its impact on human rights, and the need to adequately implement anti-trafficking laws, including not only the prosecution and sentencing of defendants charged with human trafficking but the need to respect and restore rights and needs of victims of human trafficking. The training course shall include, at a minimum, a demonstration of and information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance or may be observed by individuals in public spaces. This training course shall be reviewed at least once every two years and modified by the Administrative Office of the Courts from time to time as need may require.

e. (1) The New Jersey Transit Corporation, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop and provide a one-time training course for public transportation employees and motorbus operators of private entities under contract to the corporation to provide motorbus regular route service on the handling and response procedures for suspected human trafficking activities. Alternatively, the New Jersey Transit Corporation, in consultation with the commission, shall approve a substantially similar one-time training course provided by a recognized nonprofit association with demonstrated experience in providing course offerings to public transportation employees. The New Jersey Transit Corporation, in consultation with the commission and the approved nonprofit course provider, if any, shall establish by regulation which employees and motorbus operators of private entities under contract to the corporation to provide motorbus regular route service are required, as a condition of their employment or as a condition of the contract with the corporation, to attend the one-time training course. The New Jersey Transit Corporation, at the corporation’s discretion, may waive the training requirements of this subsection for a private entity under contract to the corporation to provide motorbus regular route service if the private entity requires its motorbus operators to complete an equal or greater training course on the handling and response procedures for suspected human trafficking activities. The training course required pursuant to this subsection shall include, at a minimum, a demonstration of and information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance or may be observed by individuals in public spaces. The training course shall be reviewed at least once every two years and modified as needed by the New Jersey Transit Corporation, in consultation with the commission and the approved nonprofit course provider, as appropriate.

(2) The New Jersey Transit Corporation shall be responsible for ensuring that all its required employees attend the one-time training course within two years of the enactment of P.L.2025, c.343 in the case of all current employees engaging in their respective profession on the effective date of P.L.2025, c.343, and within six months of the first day of employment for all new employees who initially engage in their respective profession after the effective date of P.L.2025, c.343. If an approved nonprofit course provider is involved in providing the one-time training course to new employees who initially engage in their respective profession after the effective date of P.L.2025, c.343, then the nonprofit course provider shall provide the training course at least once every six months in order for these employees to meet the six-month training deadline.

Each contract entered into after the effective date of P.L.2025, c.343 between the corporation and a private entity to provide motorbus regular route service shall include a requirement that motorbus operators of the private entity that provides motorbus regular route service under such contract shall attend the one-time training course, unless such requirement is waived pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.

(3) The New Jersey Transit Corporation shall make available to public transportation employees and private entities under contract to the corporation to provide motorbus regular route service the training materials for the one-time training course.

f. (1) The Attorney General, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2023, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), shall develop and approve a training course on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities for any individual applying for a commercial driver license, as defined in section 3 of P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.11). The training course may consist of, incorporate, or be adapted from the anti-human trafficking training course approved by the Attorney General pursuant to subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.2017, c.26 (C.39:5H-16), provided that the course satisfies the requirements of this paragraph. The training course may include or be based on materials developed by nationally-recognized organizations with demonstrated experience providing anti-human trafficking course offerings to drivers of commercial motor vehicles.

The training course shall include, at a minimum: a clear, plain-language explanation of human trafficking that is consistent with State and federal law; information regarding human trafficking in the commercial transportation industry; information regarding known signs and signals that may be used or communicated by victims of human trafficking seeking assistance; indicators that may be observed in transportation settings; and guidance on safe and appropriate procedures for reporting suspected human trafficking activity. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, shall review the training course at least once every two years and modify the training course as the Attorney General deems necessary. The chief administrator shall maintain a list of training providers approved by the Attorney General, in consultation with the chief administrator, and make free training materials available on the commission’s Internet website. The Attorney General and the chief administrator may partner with private-sector stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of the training course.

(2) Beginning 24 months after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the training course on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities shall also be required for an individual applying to renew a commercial driver license.

(3) The training course shall be no longer than 30 minutes and may be completed:

(a) online through a mobile- or computer-accessible platform;

(b) as part of a certified commercial driver license school curriculum; or

(c) through an employer-administered training program that utilizes a curriculum approved by the Attorney General, in consultation with the chief administrator.

(4) An individual required to complete the training course pursuant to this subsection shall certify to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, in a form and manner prescribed by the chief administrator, that the individual has completed the training course prior to the issuance of a commercial driver license, in addition to any other licensure requirements set forth in P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.9 et al.) or, when applicable, prior to the issuance of a renewal of a commercial driver license. The certification shall identify the date on which the training course was completed and the approved training provider through which the individual completed the training course. The chief administrator may require an individual or approved training provider to retain or provide documentation sufficient to verify the individual’s completion of the training course. Completion of the training course shall not be required to schedule an appointment, submit an application, or take any examination required for licensure.

(6) Three years after the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the chief administrator shall submit a report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature. The report shall include, at a minimum:

(a) the training requirement compliance rates for individuals applying for commercial driver licenses;

(b) the training requirement compliance rates for individuals applying to renew a commercial driver license;

(d) any impacts affecting the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission; and

(e) any recommendations for continuation or amendment to the training requirement.

(7) The chief administrator may develop and make available resource materials for individuals who are applying for or who have a commercial driver license. These materials may include a wallet card or digital resources with information on reporting suspected human trafficking activity and relevant contact information.

g. Pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-238), the Attorney General, in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking established by section 1 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.52:17B-237), may provide for the expenditures of monies from the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" to assist with the development, maintenance, revision, and distribution of training course materials for the courses developed in accordance with this section and the operation of these training courses.²

(cf: P.L.2025, c.343, s.1)

2. This act shall take effect 180 days after enactment, except that the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may take anticipatory administrative action as may be necessary to effectuate the act.