The Montgomery County Council passed a bill Tuesday aimed at strengthening protections against forced labor by allowing the county to terminate contracts with contractors and subcontractors found guilty of human trafficking violations.
The legislation, Bill 25-24, establishes penalties for violators, including debarment, suspension, contract termination and breach of contract damages.
Councilmember Dawn Luedtke (D-District 7) introduced the bill in October to prevent the county from doing business with entities involved in human trafficking, including forced labor. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines forced labor as work compelled through force, fraud or coercion.
Luedtke, the council’s representative on the Human Trafficking Prevention Committee, developed the bill with input from experts and victim assistance organizations.
While there have been no reported cases of human trafficking involving current county contractors, the federal government and Prince George’s County have recently implemented measures to raise awareness and strengthen enforcement.
“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,” Luedtke said. “Bill 25-24 underscores our county’s commitment to taking on human trafficking in all of its forms.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Council President Kate Stewart, Vice President Will Jawando and Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Evan Glass, Andrew Friedson, Gabe Albornoz and Laurie-Anne Sayles.
