Yesterday I traveled to Annapolis to meet with some pastors in the area to talk about how they can help encourage the house judiciary committee, or more specifically, their chairman, to bring HB 713 up for a vote.
The bill is for asset forfeiture for those accused of Human Trafficking. In essence, it makes the punishment for marketing humans the same as the punishment for marketing drugs. It is a common sense measure that will not only act as a deterrent for potential traffickers, but it will also provide funds to help victims (seized assets can be sold and the money will then go into supporting victims of human trafficking here in Maryland).
The bill has been introduced for four years in a row, and each year it has died in committee because a defense attorney sits in the position of chairman. In previous years the senate has passed its version of this bill UNANIMOUSLY! 17 of 21 members of the (house) Judiciary Committee support the bill, and there are 80 co-signers! If it is brought to a vote, it will pass. But Chairman Vallario refuses to let that happen.
The Baltimore-Washington Conference's Advocacy Consultant and I met with one of Chairman Vallario's aides yesterday and we were told that "it's his prerogative" as chair to sit on anything he wants.
This weekend, churches all across Maryland will be including inserts into their weekly bulletin urging people to call Chairman Vallario. In addition, congregations are being asked to contact the Speaker of the House, and the Governor to urge them to put pressure on the Chairman to allow this bill to go to a vote. People can even contact their own local delegate and ask him or her to also put some pressure on the Chairman.
As for me, in addition to meeting with Vallario's aide, and the aide of co-chair, Kathleen Dumais (who introduced the bill). I am spreading the word, asking folks to put the pressure on.
Praying for justice for human trafficking victims and perpetrators in Maryland. Praying that the Chairman's heart will soften and he will do the right thing and allow HB713 to go up for vote. Won't you join me? Oh, and, even if you're not from Maryland, you can always advocate for similar protection in your own state. Here's one way.
The bill is for asset forfeiture for those accused of Human Trafficking. In essence, it makes the punishment for marketing humans the same as the punishment for marketing drugs. It is a common sense measure that will not only act as a deterrent for potential traffickers, but it will also provide funds to help victims (seized assets can be sold and the money will then go into supporting victims of human trafficking here in Maryland).
The bill has been introduced for four years in a row, and each year it has died in committee because a defense attorney sits in the position of chairman. In previous years the senate has passed its version of this bill UNANIMOUSLY! 17 of 21 members of the (house) Judiciary Committee support the bill, and there are 80 co-signers! If it is brought to a vote, it will pass. But Chairman Vallario refuses to let that happen.
The Baltimore-Washington Conference's Advocacy Consultant and I met with one of Chairman Vallario's aides yesterday and we were told that "it's his prerogative" as chair to sit on anything he wants.
This weekend, churches all across Maryland will be including inserts into their weekly bulletin urging people to call Chairman Vallario. In addition, congregations are being asked to contact the Speaker of the House, and the Governor to urge them to put pressure on the Chairman to allow this bill to go to a vote. People can even contact their own local delegate and ask him or her to also put some pressure on the Chairman.
As for me, in addition to meeting with Vallario's aide, and the aide of co-chair, Kathleen Dumais (who introduced the bill). I am spreading the word, asking folks to put the pressure on.
Praying for justice for human trafficking victims and perpetrators in Maryland. Praying that the Chairman's heart will soften and he will do the right thing and allow HB713 to go up for vote. Won't you join me? Oh, and, even if you're not from Maryland, you can always advocate for similar protection in your own state. Here's one way.
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