1st In Nation Sex, Labor Trafficking Legislation Passed In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's has become the first county in the nation to pass legislation prohibiting county contractors and subcontractors from being involved in sex and labor trafficking.

“We are committed to championing legislation that not only combats human trafficking and protects vulnerable residents but also holds people accountable for their actions,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Becoming the first county in the nation to pass this groundbreaking legislation is a major step in our efforts to combat human trafficking and one that we hope sets the precedent for other jurisdictions across the country to follow. Our residents must feel safe in their communities, which is why we must do our part as a county government to address this issue.”

Adapted from federal procurement provisions, the new law states that contractors and subcontractors found to be involved in sex and labor trafficking, after an investigation by the Office of Human Rights, can be subject to penalties including disbarment, suspension, contract termination and breach of contract damages, Alsobrooks explained.

The legislation was developed by Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force Chair and Director of the Office of Human Rights, Renée Battle-Brooks, in conjunction with the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force Labor Trafficking Committee, the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors and with the pro bono support of the law firm Steptoe LLP.

“Eradicating human trafficking requires all of us working together,” Brooks said. “This legislation is a great first step in ensuring that business partners of the county government work affirmatively to ensure that they are not part of the human trafficking chain, even if inadvertently. We are excited about the positive impact this will make in the fight against human trafficking.”

According to the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, Maryland and Prince George’s County are human trafficking hot spots because of their proximity to Washington, D.C., and Virginia, plus access to major transportation routes (I-95 and Route 1). There also are many truck stops and rest stops, bus depots, train stations and airports where victims are trafficked in the state.

"The area also offers many conventions, events and tourist attractions, which increase the demand for trafficking victims," the task force stated on its website.