State Rep. Regina Young (Philadelphia/Delaware) talks about House Bill 1286 during a press conference in Harrisburg on December 17, 2025, which would require workers in the hospitality industry to be trained to recognize and report human trafficking. (Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania House Democrats)
House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill that would require lodging operators to provide employees with training to improve how they recognize and report cases of human trafficking.
The vote comes just ahead of the start of 2026, when several major events — including the FIFA World Cup, America250 and the NFL Draft — promise to bring “record numbers of visitors” to the state, noted Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.
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Bill sponsor Rep. Regina Young’s district includes Philadelphia International Airport and adjacent parts of Delaware County.
“It’s bigger than 2026, but that time has really come,” said Young, a Democrat who introduced: a similar proposal during the last legislative term session too.
Young and Pyzik spoke at a Wednesday news conference alongside state Rep. Tarik Khan (R-Philadelphia) and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Amad before the House passed the resolution standard for the third and final consideration. The matter now goes to the Senate, which reconvenes on January 6.
The bill calls for hospitality industry personnel to complete twice-yearly thorough training programs – including free online options – approved by the Pennsylvania Crime and Delinquency Commission in consultation with organizations representing the hospitality, travel and tourism industries throughout the state. Motels, hotels and short-term rental operators will be required to maintain documentation of training and provide it upon request to the state Department of Labor and Industry or local licensing or law enforcement agencies.
Third-party platforms such as Airbnb would not be required to maintain user-issued training certificates. The onus would be on operators using these sites to advertise and facilitate bookings. However, the booking platform would have to keep a record of user training confirmations (e.g. emails).
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If HB1286 becomes law, employees and employers can initially provide evidence of training in the previous year that meets its requirements.
Violators will be fined $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense within 90 days, and $500 per day for third and subsequent offenses. Ultimately, they may lose their business license. According to the proposal, at least half of the refund collected will be allocated to PCCD grants.
According to the PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking) report, at least 11 states – including New Jersey, Florida and North Carolina – have already enacted comparable policies. Others weighing them are Massachusetts, where versions The provisions under consideration come from 2019.
