Committee backs requirement that hotels post human-trafficking awareness notices

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee voted 4-0 to move CB 40-20-26 favorably, a bill that would require hotels, motels and similar lodging establishments in Prince George's County to post human-trafficking awareness notices inside each guest room. The committee action followed staff and counsel briefings and a favorable legal review from the Office of Law.

Sponsor remarks and staff analysis framed the proposal as an awareness and victim-support measure. The sponsor told the committee the idea originated after seeing a similar notice in a New York hotel and said the signage would give "phone numbers and texts" that victims or employees could use to report suspected trafficking. Legislative counsel Mister Maddox described key changes in draft 2, saying "the appropriate size for the notice shall be letter size 8.5 by 11 with a 12 font and shall be visible for anyone to read," and that the draft adds local contacts including the Prince George's County Family Justice Center and a 24-hour hotline at Capital Region Health.

Roger Banagas, legislative budget and policy analyst, said the bill "will not have a direct, fiscal impact on the county," noting the requirement places obligations on private lodging operators rather than creating a new county enforcement division. The committee recorded aye votes from Chair Burrows, Vice Chair Adams, Council Member Oriada and Council member Begay; the motion carried 4-0.