County Sets Human Trafficking Law

County Council Passes Bill Prohibiting Contractors from Engaging in Sex and Labor Trafficking

Prince George’s County Becomes First County in U.S. To Pass Groundbreaking Legislation Aimed at Combating Human Trafficking

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced July 30 that the county has taken a major step in combatting sex and labor trafficking with the passage of legislation that prohibits county contractors and subcontractors from engaging in sex and labor trafficking. The legislation, CB-023-2024, was passed unanimously on July 2, 2024, by the Prince George’s County Council making the county the first jurisdiction in the country to pass such a measure.

“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 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 meaningful penalties, including disbarment, suspension, contract termination, and breach of contract damages.

This 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,” said Renée Battle-Brooks, Executive Director of the Office of Human Rights. “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.”

As is the case in many metropolitan areas, human trafficking is prevalent in the region. Over the years, the county, under the leadership of County Executive Alsobrooks and through the Office of Human Rights, the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, and partner organizations, has worked collaboratively to promote awareness of trafficking, train the community, enhance resources and tools to investigate and prevent trafficking, and ensure that survivor-centered and trauma-informed services are available.

Learn more about the Office of Human Rights and the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force at: civilrights.mypgc.us