Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 7234
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7234Crime and Law Enforcement
Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 22· LAST ACTION JAN 23
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to increase awareness and vigilance against human trafficking, a serious crime that often goes unnoticed. By encouraging businesses in high-risk sectors (like transportation, hospitality, or others where victims might be seen) to train their staff, it creates more eyes and ears on the ground.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more victims being identified and rescued, as more people in the public will be equipped to recognize the signs of trafficking. For businesses, displaying this certification could enhance their reputation and demonstrate corporate responsibility. If it doesn't become law, the current level of voluntary training and awareness in these specific industries might remain unchanged, potentially missing opportunities to combat human trafficking.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a Blue Campaign Certification Program within the Department of Homeland Security.
This creates a formal government program to encourage and recognize private sector efforts against human trafficking.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to solicit and review applications annually from employers in 'covered industries' for certification.
This sets up the practical mechanism for businesses to participate and receive recognition for their training efforts.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes the Secretary to charge a reasonable fee for applications to cover the costs of running the certification program.
This aims to make the program self-sustaining, reducing the need for direct taxpayer funding for its administration.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness, including application numbers and costs.
This ensures transparency and accountability for the program's operations and allows Congress to oversee its progress.
PROVISION 05
Prohibits employers from falsely displaying the Blue Campaign Certification of Completion.
This provision protects the integrity of the certification, ensuring that only eligible and compliant businesses can claim recognition.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
COMMITTEE
JAN 22
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 22
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 22
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it aims to increase awareness and vigilance against human trafficking, a serious crime that often goes unnoticed. By encouraging businesses in high-risk sectors (like transportation, hospitality, or others where victims might be seen) to train their staff, it creates more eyes and ears on the ground.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more victims being identified and rescued, as more people in the public will be equipped to recognize the signs of trafficking. For businesses, displaying this certification could enhance their reputation and demonstrate corporate responsibility. If it doesn't become law, the current level of voluntary training and awareness in these specific industries might remain unchanged, potentially missing opportunities to combat human trafficking.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a Blue Campaign Certification Program within the Department of Homeland Security.
This creates a formal government program to encourage and recognize private sector efforts against human trafficking.
med
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to solicit and review applications annually from employers in 'covered industries' for certification.
This sets up the practical mechanism for businesses to participate and receive recognition for their training efforts.
med
Authorizes the Secretary to charge a reasonable fee for applications to cover the costs of running the certification program.
This aims to make the program self-sustaining, reducing the need for direct taxpayer funding for its administration.
med
Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness, including application numbers and costs.
This ensures transparency and accountability for the program's operations and allows Congress to oversee its progress.
low
Prohibits employers from falsely displaying the Blue Campaign Certification of Completion.
This provision protects the integrity of the certification, ensuring that only eligible and compliant businesses can claim recognition.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment.
Secretary of Homeland Security must establish the Blue Campaign Certification Program.
Beginning not later than January 31 and ending not earlier than April 30 of each year.
Secretary must solicit applications from employers annually.
Beginning not later than two years after the date of enactment.
Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress on the program.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Blue Campaign
A national public awareness campaign by the Department of Homeland Security designed to combat human trafficking. This bill adds a certification program to it.
Covered Industry
An industry that the Secretary of Homeland Security has identified as having a relatively high rate of human trafficking where awareness training could make a big difference.
Human Trafficking
Also known as 'severe forms of trafficking in persons,' it involves using force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for labor or commercial sex acts.
Secretary of Homeland Security
The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for national security, border control, and counter-terrorism efforts. For this bill, the Secretary acts through the Director of the Blue Campaign.
Federal Register
The official daily publication of rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
Homeland Security Act of 2002
The law that created the Department of Homeland Security and defined its various powers and responsibilities.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
JAN 23
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
COMMITTEE
JAN 22
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 22
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 22
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.