Council introduces bill to bar county contracts with businesses that violate human-trafficking laws; public hearing set for Dec. 3

The Montgomery County Council on Oct. 29 introduced Bill 25-24, a proposed procurement policy that would prohibit county government from doing business with firms that have violated state or federal human-trafficking laws.

The bill's lead sponsor (recorded in the meeting as Councilmember Lutke/Lukey) told colleagues the measure would "prevent county government from doing business with businesses who have violated state and federal human trafficking laws," and that it would require contractors to exercise oversight of subcontractors on this issue. The sponsor said the measure is intended as a procurement best practice and pointed to similar actions by other jurisdictions.

The clerk announced a public hearing on the bill for Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m.; registered participants must sign up by 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 and may also submit testimony via the council's website. The sponsor thanked the county's Human Trafficking Prevention Committee and staff with whom they have consulted about implementation mechanics.

Several councilmembers asked to be added as cosponsors during the introduction. Staff indicated there was "nothing from staff" to add during the presentation. The item was officially introduced on the record and scheduled for a public hearing; no final vote on the ordinance was taken at the Oct. 29 meeting.

Next steps: the council will take public testimony at the Dec. 3 hearing and further deliberation and potential amendments would be expected before any final action.