STOP Human Trafficking Act

Summary#

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to update and expand the Department of Transportation’s multimodal counter‑trafficking work. It requires the Secretary to build on existing research, create or expand central databases that track transportation organizations’ anti‑trafficking efforts and supply‑chain due diligence resources, and develop mode‑specific counter‑trafficking policies and a zero‑tolerance policy template. The bill requires updated training and awareness materials (including survivor‑informed, trauma‑informed, multilingual, and mode‑specific materials), checklists and evaluation tools, and a public awareness campaign tied to major events. It also creates a grant program in the Office of the Secretary to fund transportation stakeholders and related nonprofits for awareness, education, and prevention activities.

The bill sets deadlines and reporting requirements: a comprehensive research report to Congress within 3 years; central databases within 2 years; training and awareness updates within 1 year and a coordinated report with the Department of Homeland Security within 1 year; a public awareness campaign within 1 year and a report to Congress within 90 days after the campaign is established. The Secretary must consult specified advisory groups and initiatives named in the bill.

What it means for you#

• Transportation operators and related nonprofits: The Department of Transportation would provide model policies, training materials, checklists, and tools. Eligible entities may apply for grants aimed at awareness, prevention, and coordination across modes.
• Travelers and vulnerable populations: You may see more public safety messaging, signage, and digital outreach in transport hubs and before travel, including materials in multiple languages and during major events.
• Local and state stakeholders: The bill requires DOT to work with advisory committees, transportation industry initiatives, and the Department of Homeland Security to align modal efforts and data sharing.

Expenses#

• The bill authorizes $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the public awareness campaign and sections 2 through 4 of the Act.
• The bill also authorizes $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the Department of Transportation human trafficking prevention grant program.
• The grant provisions reserve funds for eligible transit operators, airports, maritime operators, rideshare and commercial operators, nonprofits, and other transportation stakeholders; the Secretary must consult the Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking when allocating grants.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.