Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act

Labor staff would train to spot trafficking

The Labor Department would start human trafficking training within 180 days after enactment, with ongoing refresher training. The Secretary would select employees based on their job duties. Training would reflect local needs, work settings, current trends, and best practices, with in-person or online options. Staff would learn to identify suspected victims and traffickers, using current, job-related information consistent with privacy laws. They would learn to refer cases to the Justice Department and other authorities while protecting victims’ rights. This would include working with victim advocates, federal agencies, and state and local officials. For Wage and Hour Division staff, the Secretary would consider training needs in states with significant increases in oppressive child labor. Employees would evaluate completed training. Within one year after the program starts, and annually afterward, the Secretary would report to the House and Senate committees overseeing labor issues. Reports would cover training effectiveness, completion counts, referral counts, and methods for tracking authorities’ responses. The bill would not set new funding levels or change household payments or eligibility.