The Montgomery County Council has passed a bill to strengthen efforts against human trafficking. The bill, known as Bill 25-24, allows the County to quickly terminate contracts and debar businesses found involved in human trafficking. The bill targets forced labor, which the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines as labor obtained through force, fraud, or coercion.
According to the Montgomery County Council release, the bill was introduced by Councilmember Dawn Luedtke of District 7. It requires contractors and their subcontractors to regularly review and verify their compliance with the law to continue doing business with the County. Luedtke stated, "This legislation requires anyone doing business or who wants to do business with the County to review its practices and ensure they and their subcontractors are following the law."
While there are no current cases involving County contractors, the bill aims to prevent future violations and sets clear expectations for ethical business practices. The bill was influenced by rising awareness of human trafficking in neighboring Prince George's County and at the federal level.
Bill 25-24 was developed with input from experts and groups focused on victim assistance. Luedtke, who is on the County's Human Trafficking Prevention Committee, led the bill’s development.
The legislation imposes serious consequences for businesses found violating human trafficking laws. Violations can lead to debarment, suspension, contract termination, and breach of contract damages. Luedtke said in the same release, "Bill 25-24 underscores our County's commitment to taking on human trafficking in all of its forms and through all mechanisms available to us as a local government."
The bill was cosponsored by Council President Kate Stewart, Council Vice President Will Jawando, and other councilmembers, showing strong support for the fight against human trafficking.
