By: Taryn Mastrean
Task force members and advocates rally to support stronger human trafficking legislation
In an effort to crackdown on human trafficking in Maryland, the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force is joining with state advocates on February 15 in Annapolis to support six bills that target child sex trafficking.
Senators Jennie Forehand and Jamie Raskin and Representatives Kathleen Dumais, Tom Hucker and Dana Stein are among the sponsors of the bills that will expand the definition of child abuse to include human trafficking, child pornography and prostitution, guarantee crime victim’s compensation eligibility to victims of human trafficking, prohibit a mistake of age defense for the crime of purchasing sex with a minor, raise the fine and crime classification from a misdemeanor to felony for abduction of a child under 16, establish asset forfeiture for the crime of human trafficking (HB 391), and require the posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline number at bus stations and truck stops (HB 352). 
WHAT: Maryland Human Trafficking Lobby Day
WHO: Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, local advocates, survivor of child sex trafficking, Maryland delegate bill sponsors, and representatives from a national anti-trafficking organization and law enforcement
WHEN: February 15, 2012 | 9:00-3:00
9-10: Press Conference
10-11/1-2: Advocate Information Session
11-1/2-3: Delegate Meetings (Room 142 available for delegate drop-in)
WHERE: Maryland House Office Building | Room 142
#6 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD 2140
MEDIA CONTACT: Taryn Mastrean
703-351-8062 (office) | 602-818-3955 (cell)
taryn@sharedhope.org
The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2007 to combat the growing prevalence of human trafficking in Maryland. The goal is to engage a multi‐disciplinary team to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Its focus is on training first responders, increasing public awareness, and offering assistance to survivors of human trafficking.