New Suffolk Law Targets Human Trafficking At Hotels, Motels: Officials

HAUPPAUGE, NY — A bill aimed at curbing human trafficking by tightening regulations on hotels and motels was unanimously approved by the Suffolk County Legislature this week, according to county officials.

The measure, sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, increases guest record-keeping requirements, restricts short-term hourly room rentals, and requires anti-trafficking training for hotel operators and employees. County Executive Ed Romaine has said he intends to sign the legislation into law.

Lawmakers and advocates testified that the changes could help save lives by making it more difficult for traffickers to operate anonymously, particularly in hotels and motels, Lennon’s office said.

“Together we as a county are working to face the issue of human trafficking head on,” Lennon said in a statement. “I will lead the charge from the legislature to ensure the safety and protection of our most vulnerable. This is the first step — there will be more action to come from the legislature to fight back against anyone who seeks to traffic anyone in our county.”

According to the Legislature’s findings, hotels and motels are often used by traffickers because of real or perceived anonymity, particularly when limited guest information is collected or retained. Lawmakers said enhanced digital record-keeping can serve as both a deterrent and a valuable tool for law enforcement investigations.

The legislation includes several key provisions, officials said, including expanded requirements for information collected in hotel and motel guest registers, longer retention periods for required guest records, mandatory access to records for authorized law enforcement, rescue and emergency personnel, and relevant municipal officials, a ban on hourly room rentals of less than 6 hours for rooms with sleeping accommodations, and required human trafficking recognition training for hotel operators and core employees, in accordance with Section 205 of New York State General Business Law.

“We are proud to stand with Legislator Lennon to pass this important measure to help fight human trafficking and to protect the most vulnerable potential victims, especially women and children,” said Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, praising the bipartisan effort behind the bill. “Trafficking is a persistent and pernicious crime that extends, unfortunately, to all demographics and communities. And it must be stopped.”

County Executive Romaine said the legislation strengthens the county’s ability to prevent trafficking and prosecute offenders. The full resolution, Introductory Resolution 1838-2025, is available on the Suffolk County Legislature’s website.

“Suffolk County will stay vigilant and do all we can to prevent and, if needed, prosecute the heinous crime of human trafficking,” Romaine said. “Legislator Lennon’s bill is an important step in preventing anonymity and potential havens for traffickers. Too many are being harmed by some very bad people.”