Sponsors (4)
The bill expands training and guidance to improve detection and response to human trafficking—potentially helping many victims—while imposing costs, reporting requirements, and private-sector involvement that could limit participation, raise privacy concerns, and require DHS resources to manage.
Employees in covered industries (and the public) will receive training to better recognize and respond to suspected human trafficking, increasing the likelihood that victims are identified and assisted.
Law enforcement, DHS personnel, and victim-serving organizations will get research-informed guidance developed with private-sector and academic input, improving detection, prevention, and response capabilities.
Employers in high-risk industries can obtain and display DHS-issued certificates showing staff completed training, which may increase public trust and signal compliance to customers and partners.
Small businesses seeking certification will face new administrative costs and application fees, increasing operating expenses for many employers.
If fees or administrative burdens are high, some employers may choose not to apply, limiting the program's reach and leaving workers and victims less protected.
Publication of certificate recipients by name (Federal Register and reports) could raise privacy and reputational concerns for listed employers and public entities.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates a voluntary DHS Blue Campaign certification for private employers who provide employee human-trafficking awareness training, with annual applications, reporting, and possible application fees.
Introduced January 22, 2026 by David G. Valadao · Last progress January 22, 2026
Creates a voluntary DHS Blue Campaign certification program that recognizes private-sector employers who provide employee training to recognize and respond to suspected human trafficking. The program awards one-year certificates, requires DHS to solicit applications annually, may charge reasonable fees to cover costs, and must publish certificate recipients. Requires DHS to stand up the program within one year, start annual reporting to relevant congressional committees within two years, and expand Blue Campaign guidance to increase coordination with private-sector and academic experts. The measure adds definitions for covered industries, employers, training, and human trafficking and does not appropriate new funds or impose mandatory training requirements on employers.