Relating to human trafficking prevention training, by providing for certification of lodging providers who have voluntarily completed training and prohibiting the use of public funds to procure lodging, facilities, or services from noncertified lodging providers

2. The training shall focus on the accurate and prompt identification and reporting of, or response to, suspected human trafficking and is required to contain specific topics as detailed in the bill. In lieu of developing human trafficking prevention training, the office may utilize human trafficking prevention training developed by other sources that contain all of the topics as specified in the bill and as approved by the commissioner. By no later than December 31, 2021, the bill requires the commissioner of public safety to approve a human trafficking prevention training program or programs that are developed for lodging providers and to specify the mode or modes of delivery of the training. The commissioner is also required to develop and maintain a process to show voluntary completion of the training by lodging providers. The process must include a certification that a lodging provider may display at the front entrance and check-in area of all lodging owned, operated, or owned and operated, by a lodging provider, and on any internet site advertising or promoting the lodging. The commissioner is also required to create and maintain a publicly accessible internet site that identifies lodging providers that have completed the training. Beginning January 1, 2022, a lodging provider may voluntarily complete and certify to the commissioner that each of the lodging provider’s employees, including all owners, operators, and managers, have completed the human trafficking prevention training. A lodging provider’s employee, including an owner, operator, or manager, who acts in good faith shall be immune from civil liability for reporting suspected human trafficking activities to any law enforcement official. The commissioner shall adopt rules as are necessary to implement and administer the requirements of the human trafficking prevention training for lodging providers. Effective on or after January 1, 2022, a public employee and a public employer are prohibited from using public funds to procure lodging at a site owned, operated, or owned and operated by a lodging provider that is not certified as having completed human trafficking prevention training. In addition, a public employee or a public employer is prohibited from using public funds to procure space for services for a conference, meeting, or banquet, or to host a conference, meeting, or banquet, at a site that offers lodging that is owned, operated, or owned and operated, by a lodging provider that is not certified as having completed human trafficking prevention training. An exception may be granted by the administrative head or governing body in charge of the public employer. Prior to expending or committing public funds for lodging, space, or services, a public employer or a public employee shall confirm a lodging provider’s current certification status on the internet site maintained by the department of public safety. The bill defines a “public employee” as any individual employed by a public employer and a “public employer” as the state of Iowa, its boards, commissions, agencies, departments, and its political subdivisions including school districts and other special purpose districts.1.