At a February 2, 2021 public hearing on Senate Bill 134, The Hidden Predator Act, Montgomery County State Senator Will Smith limited the number of members of the public who could speak in support of this bill. Senator Smith said this format limited public testimony. Listen to his words in the clip below.
How does a video platform LIMIT the ability of the public to participate in a public hearing? If anything the video platforms allow more people to participate from various locations instead of everyone having to be in the same room.
In fact, there were over 17 victims of sexual abuse that wanted to speak to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of Senate Bill 134 The Hidden Predator Act.
But Montgomery County State Senator Will Smith would only allow 4 speakers to support the bill and only one person to speak for victims.
The Maryland Catholic Conference is opposed to this bill. Limiting the number of victims of sexual abuse who could speak obviously worked in their favor.
The Annapolis touting trolls
ReplyDeleteOperate in a unique universe
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While the comments are terse.