Maryland Senate Bill SB203

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/20/23

Caption

Maryland Department of Transportation – Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Awareness, Training, and Response

Impact

The bill's enactment is significant as it instills a systematic approach to addressing child exploitation and human trafficking within public transportation by enforcing mandatory training requirements. By placing an emphasis on training for employees who are often the first point of contact with potential victims, SB203 is positioned to create a more informed workforce that can act decisively in instances of suspected exploitation. Additionally, it aims to protect those who report suspicious activities by ensuring that they are not held civilly or criminally liable, thereby fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 203 primarily aims to enhance awareness and response measures concerning child exploitation and human trafficking within the State of Maryland's transportation sector. It mandates the Maryland Department of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive training program for employees working in areas such as transit stations, airports, and highway rest stops. This training is focused on identifying and reporting potential victims, thereby equipping employees with the necessary tools to respond effectively to such incidents. Furthermore, it encourages employers in the transportation sector to certify that their employees have completed this training annually, reinforcing the importance of ongoing education and awareness.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support from various advocacy groups looking to combat child exploitation and human trafficking, discussions around its implementation might raise concerns regarding the costs associated with training and compliance for employers. There could be potential challenges in rolling out the training programs uniformly across various transit facilities, especially in areas with limited resources. Critics may argue that without adequate funding and support, the effectiveness of such initiatives could be diminished, and there could be inconsistencies in how training is implemented across different transportation entities.