Legislation aimed at strengthening protections for human trafficking survivors and enhancing accountability for traffickers was reported by the House Judiciary Committee this week.
Key Points:
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- House Bills 5836 – 5840 were introduced by Representatives Kelly Breen(D-Novi), Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), Carol Glanville (D-Walker), Reggie Miller (D-Belleville), and John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming).
- It allows survivors to have criminal convictions set aside if those offenses were a direct result of their victimization.
- It provides an affirmative defense for survivors if a crime was committed as a consequence of being trafficked.
- The bills would expand the types of adjudications that could be set aside for juvenile offenders who are victims.
- Modifies safe harbor protections for minors who are victims.
- It would set criteria for expert testimony in human trafficking cases.
Next Step:
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- The bill package was sent to the House floor for consideration by all members.
