Relating to human trafficking prevention, including training for first responders, disclosure of human trafficking information by certain health care facilities, and protection for facility employees who report human trafficking.

Contracts

• Employee Handbooks: Must be amended immediately to include a specific non-retaliation policy protecting employees who report suspected human trafficking in good faith.
• Vendor MSAs (EMS/Fire): Hospitals or municipalities contracting with third-party EMS providers must amend Master Services Agreements to require vendor certification of compliance with Chapter 763 (First Responder Training). Indemnification clauses should be updated to cover failure to train.

Hiring/Training

• First Responders (Fire & EMS): Mandatory completion of an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course.
• Scheduling: Agencies must budget paid time for staff to attend training once the approved course list is released. At least one "no-cost" course option is statutorily required.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Training Verification: EMS and Fire agencies must retain certificates of completion in every employee’s personnel file for state licensure surveys.
• Language Audit: Emergency facilities must document an internal audit of employee primary languages. If 10% or more of the workforce speaks a language other than English or Spanish, a third translation of the mandatory signage is required.

Fees & Costs

• Direct Costs: Minimal. Limited to printing costs for 11x17 signage and paid staff time for training.
• Liability Costs: Potential increase in Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) risk due to the new statutory cause of action for whistleblower retaliation.