Requires state and municipal police academy course training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking; requires public transportation authorities and contractors to provide training in the recognition and handling of matters involving human trafficking.

New York Assembly Bill A09618, introduced on January 21, 2026, mandates that state and municipal police academies include training on recognizing and handling human trafficking cases. Additionally, it requires public transportation authorities and their contractors to provide similar training to their employees. The training programs are to be established or approved by the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, in consultation with the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking. These programs may be developed by federal, state, or non-profit organizations and can be delivered through various methods, including in-person instruction, electronic communication, or online programs.

Positive media analysis is being generated.

There is no specific negative media coverage available for Bill A09618. However, potential concerns with such legislation could include the financial and logistical challenges of implementing mandatory training programs, especially for public transportation authorities and their contractors. Additionally, there may be debates about the effectiveness of such training in actually reducing human trafficking incidents.