House Bill 971 Summary

• Department of Labor must develop human trafficking awareness training by July 1, 2025, and make it available free to lodging establishments, vacation rental property managers, and accommodation facilitators.

• Lodging establishments and vacation rental property managers must ensure employees in housekeeping, food service, and check-in/check-out roles complete training within 60 days of employment (or by June 30, 2027 for current employees), with penalties of $500-$2,000 for violations.

• Soliciting prostitution upgraded from Class 1 misdemeanor to Class I felony for first offense (effective December 1, 2024); soliciting minors or persons with severe mental disabilities carry enhanced penalties.

• Victims and alleged victims can file motions to keep their personal information confidential in court records, with courts required to hold hearings within 10-20 business days and consider impacts to all parties.

• Persons seeking child custody must disclose convictions for sexual violent offenses, human trafficking, involuntary servitude, sexual servitude, and sexual exploitation of minors, and disclose any prior custody grants or denials in other jurisdictions.