Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7234

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:32Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026," aims to combat human trafficking by creating a voluntary certification program under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Blue Campaign. It encourages employers in industries prone to human trafficking to train their employees on spotting and reporting suspected cases, providing official recognition for those who participate.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of the Program: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security must create the Blue Campaign Certification Program. This program issues certificates to eligible employers who demonstrate they have trained employees to recognize and respond to suspected human trafficking.
• Application Process: DHS will accept applications annually from January 31 to April 30. Applications must include details on the training provided to employees and any other relevant information. The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of Homeland Security Investigations, reviews submissions.
• Issuance and Recognition: Eligible employers receive a one-year certificate they can display. DHS publishes the names of recipients in the Federal Register for public recognition.
• Prohibitions: Employers cannot display certificates falsely (e.g., claiming completion without participation or for expired years). This prevents misleading the public.
• Reporting Requirements: Starting two years after enactment, DHS must submit annual reports to congressional committees on Homeland Security. Reports cover application numbers, fees collected, certifications issued (including employer names), program costs, and other relevant details.
• Fees: DHS can charge reasonable application fees to cover program administration costs.
• Definitions:
• Covered industry: Sectors with high human trafficking rates where training could make a big difference (determined by DHS).
• Employer: Businesses or organizations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (a law on wages and hours), excluding government agencies.
• Human trafficking: Defined as severe forms of trafficking in persons under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (a law against forced labor and sex trafficking).
• Training: Education on identifying and reporting suspected trafficking.
• Secretary of Homeland Security: Acts through the Blue Campaign Director.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new section (434A) to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, creating the certification program from scratch.
• Amends Section 434(e) of the same Act (which outlines Blue Campaign activities) by adding a requirement for better coordination with private sector experts, academic institutions, and covered industries. This expands the Blue Campaign's scope beyond current public awareness efforts.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS gains a new administrative responsibility, including program setup, application reviews, certifications, and congressional reporting. Fees help offset costs, but it may require additional resources initially. No major burden on other agencies.
• On Citizens and Employers: Encourages voluntary training in high-risk industries (e.g., hospitality, transportation), potentially increasing employee awareness and reporting of trafficking. Certified employers get public recognition, which could boost their reputation, but non-participation has no penalties.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is domestic training and awareness; however, it supports broader U.S. anti-trafficking efforts that align with international commitments like the UN's Palermo Protocol.
• Broader Effects: Could lead to more trafficking detections and victim identifications, indirectly aiding law enforcement without mandating participation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Leads program implementation, including the Blue Campaign and Homeland Security Investigations.
• Employers in Covered Industries: Primary participants; they apply for certification and provide training to employees.
• Employees in Covered Industries: Benefit from required training to spot trafficking.
• Victims of Human Trafficking: Indirectly helped through increased awareness and reporting.
• Congressional Committees: Receive reports and oversee the program (House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs).
• Private Sector and Academics: Involved in expanded coordination for Blue Campaign activities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Introduces a prohibition on false certificate display, but the bill does not specify penalties (e.g., fines), leaving enforcement to existing fraud laws. Relies on voluntary compliance, avoiding mandates that could face legal challenges.
• Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections by promoting voluntary speech and awareness without restricting rights. No privacy concerns, as applications focus on training details rather than personal data.
• Political: Builds on existing anti-trafficking laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, emphasizing public-private partnerships. As a bipartisan initiative (introduced by multiple representatives), it promotes non-controversial awareness without new funding or regulations, potentially gaining broad support in Congress.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
• 2026-01-22: 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.
• 2026-01-22: 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.
• 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
• 2026-01-22: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (7 pages)