This week, bipartisan legislation aimed at combating human trafficking in Michigan was announced. The plan seeks to strengthen Michigan’s existing laws and provide vital protections for survivors. Presenting the legislation were Attorney General Dana Nessel, Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi), and Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs).
The House and Senate bills would:
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- Allows survivors to have criminal convictions set aside if those offenses were a direct result of victimization.
- Provides an affirmative defense for survivors if a crime was committed as a consequence of being trafficked.
- Modifies safe harbor protections for minors who are victims.
- Sets criteria for expert testimony in human trafficking cases.
- Increases fines and sentencing guidelines for violations.
- Expands protections for children, giving courts and child welfare systems the authority to intervene when a child is trafficked by their parent or guardian.
- Increases penalties for trafficking offenses.
Human Trafficking:
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- Michigan received an “F” rating from Shared Hope International and the Polaris Project in 2023 for the state’s statutes.
- Last year, the Michigan Legislature took up measures to combat some of the issues and provide better protections for survivors and victims.
- This proposal would continue to address problems within Michigan law.
