Bipartisan legislation aimed at curbing human trafficking in Michigan was unanimously passed by the Senate this week. Earlier this term, a bipartisan group of lawmakers worked with Attorney General Dana Nessel to develop and introduce the legislation.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bills 520 and 521 were introduced by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), and SB 705 was introduced by Senator Sue Shink (D-Ann Arbor).
- The legislation increases current penalties for human trafficking from a 1o-year and/or $10,000 penalty to a 20-year and/or $20,000 penalty.
- The penalty for trafficking a minor would increase to life in prison and/or a $50,000 penalty.
“The goal in crafting this package of bills was simple — to create laws whereby in the future, a significant number of people who would otherwise be subject to this exploitation will not be. And that’s the result I think we landed on.”
Next Steps:
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- The bills were referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
