New Jersey will now require panic buttons for hotel workers.

Byline: Daniel J. Munoz

New Jersey will now require panic buttons for most hotel workers, a move which proponents argue will protect staff from physical attacks and sexual harassment and assault.

The measure would require staff who enter hotel rooms alone typically housekeeping and room service to be provided with panic buttons that would allow for easy, two-way communication with management and security.

Any hotel with at least 100 rooms would be subject to the requirement under the measure, Senate Bill 2986, which was passed by both the Assembly and state Senate unanimously. It would go into effect in six months.

"We must protect the safety of workers in the hospitality industry," Murphy said...