* 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 Henry
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Request for State Action - Statewide Ban on Automated Purchasing Machines
FOR the purpose of calling on the Baltimore City Delegation to the 2014 Maryland General Assembly to introduce, and secure the passage of, legislation to ban cash-for-phone machines statewide.
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Recitals
In response to a wave of sometimes violent cell phone thefts, Baltimore recently enacted legislation to ban automated purchasing machines that dispense quick cash for phones. According to their many critics, the ease, and perceived ease, of using these machines to turn stolen phones into cash has been a significant factor in the ongoing rise in cell phone robberies. Certainly, the correlation between the spread of cash-for-phone machines throughout the Baltimore region and the spike in cell phone attacks is a cause for concern.
However, although it can help to keep the situation from worsening, Baltimore's ban on its own is unlikely to have much of an impact on whatever effect these machines are currently having on cell phone thefts, since the city is already virtually ringed by cash-for-phone machines located just outside its boundaries.
The Washington D.C. metro area is experiencing a similar problem. There, the District's Police Chief is convinced that automated cell phone purchasing machines are driving up street crime in her jurisdiction, but she is unable to act against machines located in the Maryland suburbs.
Recognizing that the cross jurisdictional impacts of these machines make them an issue that requires a broader approach, individual members of the City's delegation have already indicated an intention to introduce legislation to extend the crack down on cash for phone machines statewide. Clearly, the ease with which criminals can take stolen phones from one jurisdiction to another to make use of reverse vending machines makes such an approach essential. Accordingly, if the challenge posed by these machines is to be effectively addressed, it is important that this legislation receive the full support of Baltimore City and her General Assembly delegation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council calls on the Baltimore City Delegation to the 2014 Maryland General Assembly to introduce, and secure the passage of, legislation to ban cash-for-phone machines statewide.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City House and Senate Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly, the Mayor, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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