State Representative William Snyder Wraps Up Successful Session with Passage of Human Trafficking Bill and House Speaker’s Endorsement for Martin County Sheriff’s Race

Stuart, FL, March 15, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Representative William Snyder (R-Stuart) had a clear mission this session; pass legislation to help curb human trafficking in the state of Florida. Snyder, who is also a career law enforcement officer called on lawmakers to aggressively address the growing problem of human trafficking in the sunshine state. “Human trafficking is one of those horrendous crimes that have managed to stay under the public radar for decades,” says Snyder. “As a law enforcement officer who has spent more than 30-years working the streets in Miami-Dade and Martin Counties, I have seen the problem escalate into an alarming trend that needs to be combated. I am proud that I have been able to bring life to this legislation.”

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which victims are used for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Advocates estimate at least 20,000 people every year are smuggled into the country and used as modern day slaves in sex rings and abusive labor situations. The highest percentage of that crime takes place in Florida. HB 7049 passed in the Florida House and Senate and awaits the Governor’s signature. “It is vitally important that our community of law enforcement officers and state attorneys have the tools they need to combat human trafficking in our communities. If enacted into law, House Bill 7049 will provide them the essential tools and ensure Florida’s human trafficking laws are among the toughest in the nation.”

While Representative Snyder worked on the passage of the HB 7049, Representative Dean Cannon (R- Winter Park), Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives proudly endorsed Snyder’s Campaign for Martin County Sheriff. “William Snyder has been a top cop on the streets of South Florida and the top cop in the halls of the Florida House where he’s made increasing public safety a priority and been a constant champion of law enforcement officers across Florida,” says Cannon. “From cracking down on drug dealers operating unscrupulous pill mills to providing law enforcement the tools they need to combat human trafficking, William provides the common sense, real life perspective of a law enforcement officer who has been on the front lines protecting Florida’s citizens and communities. His decades of experience in law enforcement, advocacy for our state’s law enforcement officers and diverse experience in public service are an invaluable asset and make William Snyder the clear choice for Sheriff of Martin County.”

William Snyder will return home to Martin County to resume his campaign for sheriff where he retired as the Director of Law Enforcement for that agency before becoming a state representative. “It will be an honor to return to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office as their leader in a capacity where I can enforce the laws that I helped create,” says Snyder. “I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I have done most of my life, being a law enforcement officer.”