New York Hotels Are Now Required to Provide Information Regarding Human Trafficking to their Guests and Employees
As of October 14, 2018, New York hotels are now required to provide information regarding human trafficking to their guests and employees. The new information cards must be posted in various public spaces within their establishments.
The rationale behind the new law (Assembly Bill 9870) is that victims of human trafficking are often housed in hotels, at least on a short-term basis. “Since trafficking networks rely on legitimate businesses like hotels to sustain their illegal operations, that’s where we need to focus our efforts to help these victims,” said Assemblymember Amu Paulin, who sponsored the law. “For some victims, this information may be the only opportunity to learn about services available to them. Additionally, because of the discreet size of the informational cards, it may be possible for a victim to take a card unnoticed and use the card to call the hotline for help at a later time.”
New Requirements for NY Lodging Facilities
The new hotel regulation amends New York’s general business law to require lodging facilities to provide information about services for human trafficking victims on informational cards in public areas, including in the public restrooms, the individual guest rooms, and near the public entrance or other conspicuous places in plain sight of the guests and employees. Under the new human trafficking law, the definition of lodging facility does not include “an establishment treated as a dwelling unit for the purposes of any state or local law or regulation or an establishment located within a building that has five or less rooms for rent or hire and that is actually occupied as a residence by the proprietor of such establishment.” Accordingly, most B&Bs and home rentals do fall under the law.
With regard to the format of the card, there are three options:
A card created by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) in consultation with the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking;
A card created by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS); or
A card created by the hotel or other lodging facility.
The OTDA has not yet published its model informational card. However, the DHS has created cards, which are available here. Should businesses elect to create their own cards, the law provides that the informational cards must only contain information concerning service for human trafficking victims and must prominently include the national human trafficking hotline telephone number (1-888-373-7888).
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Roshan D. Shah, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
Commercial Zoning: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
If you operate a business, you need to understand how commercial zoning rules may impact you. For instance, zoning regulations can determine how you can develop a property and what type of activities your business can conduct. To ensure that you aren’t taken by surprise, it is always a good idea to consult with experienced […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
New York Hotels Required to Share Human Trafficking Info
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
New York Hotels Are Now Required to Provide Information Regarding Human Trafficking to their Guests and Employees
As of October 14, 2018, New York hotels are now required to provide information regarding human trafficking to their guests and employees. The new information cards must be posted in various public spaces within their establishments.
The rationale behind the new law (Assembly Bill 9870) is that victims of human trafficking are often housed in hotels, at least on a short-term basis. “Since trafficking networks rely on legitimate businesses like hotels to sustain their illegal operations, that’s where we need to focus our efforts to help these victims,” said Assemblymember Amu Paulin, who sponsored the law. “For some victims, this information may be the only opportunity to learn about services available to them. Additionally, because of the discreet size of the informational cards, it may be possible for a victim to take a card unnoticed and use the card to call the hotline for help at a later time.”
New Requirements for NY Lodging Facilities
The new hotel regulation amends New York’s general business law to require lodging facilities to provide information about services for human trafficking victims on informational cards in public areas, including in the public restrooms, the individual guest rooms, and near the public entrance or other conspicuous places in plain sight of the guests and employees. Under the new human trafficking law, the definition of lodging facility does not include “an establishment treated as a dwelling unit for the purposes of any state or local law or regulation or an establishment located within a building that has five or less rooms for rent or hire and that is actually occupied as a residence by the proprietor of such establishment.” Accordingly, most B&Bs and home rentals do fall under the law.
With regard to the format of the card, there are three options:
A card created by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) in consultation with the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking;
A card created by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS); or
A card created by the hotel or other lodging facility.
The OTDA has not yet published its model informational card. However, the DHS has created cards, which are available here. Should businesses elect to create their own cards, the law provides that the informational cards must only contain information concerning service for human trafficking victims and must prominently include the national human trafficking hotline telephone number (1-888-373-7888).
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Roshan D. Shah, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work, at 201-806-3364.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
