Human trafficking bill approved

Lawmakers passed a bill Feb. 20 intended to help combat human trafficking at Nebraska hotels and motels.

LB320, sponsored by Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, adds hotels and other lodging establishments to the list of public spaces required to display posters that include the Nebraska human trafficking hotline number and other information.

The bill also allows for optional training for employees on human trafficking issues specific to the lodging industry, which may be developed and provided through collaboration between the state attorney general, the state Department of Labor and lodging establishments.

An owner, operator or employee of a hotel or similar public lodging establishment who implements the training and other policies would not be liable for any act or omission related to human trafficking committed by a third party at the establishment, unless they knowingly assist such action or fail to act in a reasonable manner.

LB320 passed on a vote of 46-1.