The University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors and Steptoe LLP praised Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the county’s Task Force on Human Trafficking, and the County Council for passing groundbreaking legislation aimed at combating sex and labor trafficking in the county through procurement law.
The legislation, passed unanimously on July 2, 2024, makes Prince George’s County the first local jurisdiction in the United States to adopt such measures. The new law prohibits contractors and subcontractors in the county from engaging in trafficking. Modeled after federal procurement provisions, the new law stipulates that contractors and subcontractors found involved in sex and labor trafficking, following an investigation by the Office of Human Rights, may face significant penalties. These include disbarment, suspension, contract termination, and breach of contract damages.
Susan Esserman, Founder and CEO of the SAFE Center and Steptoe partner, stated: “We are grateful for and inspired by the commitment shown by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. The passage of this legislation provides an important mechanism to deter trafficking and to protect vulnerable workers against exploitation. It represents the culmination of several years of work, and we at the UMD SAFE Center and Steptoe are immensely proud to have been part of this collaborative endeavor. This law is a testament to what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause.”
See County Executive Alsobrooks’ press release here.
