HEARING ALERT: Protecting Victims Of Sex Trafficking Act Of 2017

Important Legislation Gives Authorities Ability to More Effectively Prosecute Sex TraffickersNote: House Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing on HB 632 on February 23, 2017, 1:00 PM

“Our proposed legislation will further define sexual abuse to include sex trafficking regardless of whether the sexual abuse was committed by a parent or any other person who has permanent, or temporary care, or responsibility for supervision of the child.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 12, 2017

Governor Hogan Has Taken Steps To Prevent And Raise Awareness Of Human Trafficking

In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation To Establish The Workgroup To Study Safe Harbor Policy For Youth Victims Of Human Trafficking; Groups’ Purpose Includes Studying Legal Protections And The Provision Of Services For Youth Victims Of Human Trafficking. “For the purpose of establishing the Workgroup to Study Safe Harbor Policy For Youth Victims Of Human Trafficking… There is a Workgroup to Study Safe Harbor Policy for Youth Victims of Human Trafficking. The purpose of the Workgroup is to study: legal protection for youth victims of human trafficking; and the provision of services for youth victims of human trafficking.” (“House Bill 456,” Maryland General Assembly, 4/14/15) 

Focus Of Workgroup Is To Identify Better Practices And Recommend Legislative/Policy Initiatives To Address The Needs Of Youth Victims Of Human Trafficking. “The Workgroup shall: compile existing information on and identify the needs of youth victims of human trafficking and identify the public and private sector programs and resources currently available to meet those needs; identify gaps in public and private sector programs and resources currently available to meet the needs of youth victims of human trafficking; collect and compile data on the number of youth victims of human trafficking in the State, including the number of youth victims in each jurisdiction of the State; evaluate current State safe harbor policies and legal protections for youth victims of human trafficking; and make recommendations regarding: legislation and policy initiatives to address the provision of services and legal protections for youth victims of human trafficking in the State; the collection of data to identify youth victims of human trafficking in the State; funding requirements and budgetary priorities to address the needs of youth victims of human trafficking in the State; and any other relevant issues or considerations identified by the Workgroup.” (“House Bill 456,” Maryland General Assembly, 4/14/15)

In August 2016, Governor Hogan Secured $1 Million In Funding To Support Individuals Impacted By Sexual Assault And Human Trafficking In Baltimore City. “Governor Larry Hogan today announced administration plans to provide at least $1 million in grant funding to local organizations committed to serving and supporting victims of sexual assault and human trafficking in Baltimore City. As addressed in the recent report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), victims of sexual assault and human trafficking are in need of greater levels of support and protection.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces $1 Million In Funding For Victims Of Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking In Baltimore City,” Office Of The Governor, 8/18/16)

In November 2016, Governor Hogan Announced Over $46 Million In Victims Of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grants.Governor Larry Hogan today announced that over $46 million in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance federal grants will be awarded to state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide assistance, services, and treatment for Maryland citizens who have been victims of crime… VOCA Victim Assistance grants are awarded to organizations that provide direct services to a wide array of crime victims. These agencies include sexual assault and rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs and shelters, child abuse programs, mental health services, and programs for underserved victims.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Over $46 Million In Federal Funding For Crime Victims,” Office Of The Governor, 11/21/16)

Governor Hogan Argued That Currently, Limits Are Placed On Law Enforcement To Investigate Allegations Of Child Sexual Abuse

Governor Hogan: “Currently, in order for law enforcement to investigate an allegation of child sexual abuse, or be able to provide services to a victim a local department of social services must have evidence that the alleged perpetrator was the victim’s parent, family, or household member, or caretaker. But in sex trafficking cases, the relationship between the victim and trafficker is rarely that clearcut. Our legislation will finally permit local victim service providers to immediately respond to trafficking allegations to work with law enforcement, and provide services to the victims.” (Remarks, “Justice For Victims Initiative, 1/12/17)

Protecting Victims Of Sex Trafficking Act Of 2017

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Further Defines The Definition Of Sexual Abuse Relating To Child Abuse To Include The Sex Trafficking Of A Child. “‘Sex trafficking’ means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a child for the purpose of a commercial sex act. ‘ Sexual abuse’ means any act that involves: sexual molestation or exploitation of a child by a parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member; or sex trafficking of a child.” (“House Bill 632,” Maryland General Assembly,1/30/17)