Sen. Julian Cyr files bill to require human-trafficking hotline signs in state transit facilities

Sen. Julian Cyr filed legislation Jan. 10 that would require a standard, multilingual sign with the National Human Trafficking Hotline in all state highway and mass‑transit facilities and vehicles that are open to the public.

The bill, filed as Senate Docket No. 260 and labeled Senate No. 2365, would add Section 31A to Chapter 6C of the General Laws, directing the office of planning and programming to provide an approved sample sign. The legislation specifies the sign size, exact wording, languages, placement, and an annual consultation with the attorney general.

Under the proposed text, the sign must be at least 8.5 inches high and 11 inches wide and display the notice that begins: “WARNING. Obtaining forced labor or services is a crime under Massachusetts law. If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave – whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or any other activity – call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1‑888‑373‑7888. You can remain anonymous, and the Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” The bill requires the notice to be provided in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Portuguese, and in any other language recommended by the office of planning and programming, with the English text covering at least one‑half of the sign.

The proposal directs the office of planning and programming to display the signs “in all state highway and mass transit facilities and vehicles that are open to the public, including restrooms,” and to place them “in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public and employees.” The office must consult periodically, at least annually, with the attorney general to determine whether additional languages should be provided.

The bill text notes a similar matter filed in the previous legislative session (Senate No. 2226 of 2023–2024). The document header lists "Transportation," indicating the bill’s subject matter; the filing itself does not record committee action or a vote.

As filed, the measure is a legislative petition and not an enacted law. Implementation would depend on further action by the Legislature and any administrative steps the office of planning and programming and the attorney general take if the bill becomes law.

Next procedural steps (not specified in the filing text) would typically include referral to the committee noted on the filing document and any subsequent committee hearings or amendments.