* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Mosby
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Divestment from the State of Florida
FOR the purpose of requesting that the City of Baltimore review and minimize its business dealings connected with the State of Florida, and municipalities in Florida, in protest of that state's "Stand Your Ground" law and its application of that law.
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Whereas, Florida Statue 776, the 2005 Justifiable Use of Force Act, more commonly known as the "Stand Your Ground" Law, allows for the use of deadly force by civilians on a subjective basis.
Whereas, Florida has a history of applying the "Stand Your Ground" Law subjectively and inconsistently to various cases in the state.
Whereas, "Stand Your Ground" Laws have since been passed in over 20 states, and have been used as a pretext, as with the case of the State of Florida v. George Zimmerman, in defense of civilians that use deadly force to end the lives of innocent individuals.
Whereas, Civilians who own guns in states with "Stand Your Ground" laws are legally allowed to act as vigilantes, taking law enforcement matters into their own hands, under the umbrella of "self defense".
Whereas, it is the fundamental responsibility of the City of Baltimore, taking into account numerous pertinent factors, to decide where, how and by whom financial resources in its control should be invested.
Whereas, It is the prerogative of the City of Baltimore, in respect to investment resources in its control, not to participate in an ownership or capital providing capacity with entities that provide significant practical support for laws that deprive individuals of their life and liberty, such as "Stand Your Ground", and studies have shown that 70% of people who use this defense are found not guilty, 35% are not charged by prosecutors and 23% are given immunity by a judge.
Whereas, the City of Baltimore may disengage from business practices with Florida directly, or indirectly, through activities such as investments in Florida state or municipal bonds, as well as decline to support the state of Florida and their travel economy by planning, hosting or attending any event within the State.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that the City of Baltimore should conduct a thorough review of all investments and business practices engaged by the City to determine what activities, if any, it conducts with the state of Florida, and municipalities in Florida.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City of Baltimore should, to the extent reasonable, with due consideration for, among other things, return on investment, on behalf of itself and its investment beneficiaries, not participate in any business activities substantially connected with the State of Florida and municipalities in Florida.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of Finance, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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