May 3, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Urges Governor Larry Hogan to Sign Amber’s Law

May 4 is the Governor’s Final Day Scheduled for Bill Signings

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

In the closing moments of the 2017 Legislative Session, the Maryland General Assembly unanimously adopted House Bill 1163 (HB 1163) (known as Amber’s Law), named after Prince George’s County resident and domestic violence victim, Amber Schinault.  Amber’s Law will authorize the Court to grant a domestic violence survivor’s request to require an alleged abuser to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of release.  Tomorrow, May 4, is the final day scheduled for bill signings for Governor Hogan and the Governor has yet to announce whether Amber’s Law will be among the bills he will sign.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), a strong advocate of the legislation, issued the following statement:

“In support of the tireless efforts of Amber Schinault’s family, friends and supporters, I respectfully urge Governor Hogan to sign Amber’s Law and deliver a tremendous victory for survivors of domestic violence and their families all across Maryland.  While the bill would still become law without the Governor’s signature, his clear support would send a strong message to all Marylanders that domestic violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in the world.”

Amber’s Law, sponsored by Maryland Senator Susan Lee and Delegate Aruna Miller, was endorsed by the full Prince George’s County Council.

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A copy of Councilman Franklin’s previous letter to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee can be found here:https://tinyurl.com/franklin-ambers-law-ltr