Maryland Passes Safe Harbor Law Aimed to Protect Trafficked Children

Maryland lawmakers passed a Safe Harbor bill this week that will protect trafficked children from being charged with certain crimes.

The bill, which was approved by the Maryland General Assembly on Tuesday, will prevent law enforcement authorities from arresting and charging child victims of sex trafficking or human trafficking with crimes they may have committed as a result of being victims. These crimes can include trespassing, theft, prostitution, possession of a fraudulent government identification and driving without a license, as well as other violations, according to the bill.

The law will also require law enforcement authorities to inform local child welfare agencies if they believe a child was being trafficked.

Read the source article at thehill.com