GOVERNOR SIGNS BLOCK BILLS TO AID IN FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ASSIST STATE UNIVERSITY RULE MAKING

AB 2212 gives law enforcement new tool; AB 2126 streamlines campus administration

September 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) today announced that Gov. Jerry Brown signed his measure to give law enforcement a new tool to shut down human trafficking, AB 2212, and another bill, AB 2126, which helps the California State University (CSU) system streamline its regulation process.

“Few crimes are more heinous than the enslavement of children and adults,” Block said. “I am gratified by the Governor’s approval of AB 2212. Our law enforcement personnel need all the tools we can provide to battle these crimes and to assist victims.”

AB 2212 adds human trafficking to the list of per se nuisances such as gambling, lewdness and prostitution to evict tenants and penalize property owners who knowingly allow these activities on their property. A per se nuisance is an activity or an act for which an injury to the public is presumed.

Block said the Central Intelligence Agency estimates between 15,000 and 17,500 men, women and children are brought into the United States annually, making the U.S. one of the top three trafficking destinations in the world. Block who represents the San Diego region said the problem is particularly acute in major port cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles.

“AB 2212 also helps victims. A fine of up to $25,000 could be levied against the violator, and half of the penalties would help fund victim services which are not adequately supported,” Block said. The measure did not receive any “no” votes in the legislature.

Block’s other measure, AB 2126, extends authorization for the CSU system to manage its own regulation-making process with annual reports to the Governor and the legislative education committees. The authorization – granted in 1997 – was extended in 2001 and 2007.

The measure also streamlines the process for implementing regulations by removing a duplicative review procedure. “AB 2126 will allow the CSU system to continue using this important regulatory authority which has served California well for the past 15 years and serves as an example of common-sense efficiency,” Block said. He noted that the process has not raised a single concern or complaint about the regulations that have been enacted, repealed, or modified.

Assemblymember Marty Block proudly represents the cities and communities of Bonita, Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, San Diego and Spring Valley. Web site:www.asmdc.org/block