Human Trafficing Awareness
Training Requirements for Transit Agencies
In September 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 2034 (Kalra) [Chapter 812, Statutes of 2018]. This bill, which was negotiated and supported by the Association, aims to curb the incidence of human trafficking in our state by requiring transit agencies to train their employees in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to law enforcement.
Background
More specifically, AB 2034 (Kalra) requires transit agencies, on or before January 1, 2021, to provide at least 20 minutes of training to their new and existing employees who may interact with, or come into contact with, a victim of human trafficking or who are likely to receive, in the course of their employment, a report from another employee about suspected human trafficking, in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Employee training must include, but is not limited to, all the following:
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The definition of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
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Myths and misconceptions about human trafficking.
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Physical and mental signs to be aware of that may indicate that human trafficking is occurring.
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Guidance on how to identify individuals who are most at risk for human trafficking.
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Guidance on how to report human trafficking, including, but not limited to, national hotlines (1-888-373-7888 and text line 233733) and contact information for local law enforcement agencies that an employee may use to make a confidential report.
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Protocols for reporting human trafficking when on the job.
As the bill was modeled after human trafficking awareness training developed by Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), it authorizes transit agencies statewide to utilize VTA’s information and materials to train their employees. See ‘Resources’ for these materials.
In addition to the employee training requirements, the bill also requires transit agencies to post conspicuous notices at their intercity passenger rail, light rail and bus stations stating the following in 16-point font:
“If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave—whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work, construction, factory, retail, or restaurant work, or any other activity—text 233-733 (Be Free) or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or the California Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) at 1-888-KEY-2-FRE(EDOM) or 1-888-539-2373 to access help and services.
Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under United States and California law.
The hotlines are:
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Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Toll free.
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Operated by nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations.
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Anonymous and confidential.
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Accessible in more than 160 languages.
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Able to provide help, referral to services, training, and general information."
The notices must be printed in English, Spanish, and in one other language that is the most widely spoken language in the county where the stations are located and for which translation is mandated by the federal Voting Rights Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1973 et seq.), as applicable.