Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has expressed her approval for the Michigan House Judiciary Committee's decision to advance significant human trafficking legislation to the House floor. The suite of bills, including House Bills 5836-5854 and 5864, along with Senate Bills 515-517, has garnered bipartisan support and aims to bolster protections for survivors of human trafficking. According to a statement obtained by Michigan government's official website, AG Nessel highlighted that this legislative package will enhance her department's capabilities to "protect survivors, respond to their unique needs, and prosecute those perpetrating these horrific crimes."
As this legislation proceeds to be deliberated by the Michigan House of Representatives, it seeks to directly impact the lives of individuals caught in the web of trafficking by allowing them to have certain criminal convictions set aside and to potentially utilize an affirmative defense in crimes committed as a result of being trafficked. Assistant Attorney General Melissa Palepu, chairing the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, underscored the necessity of a victim-centered approach, saying, "In order to eradicate human trafficking in Michigan, we must take a victim-centered approach and aim to provide survivors with legal protections, as well as the ability to heal and grow," as she testified before the committee vote, in a statement obtained by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Another aspect of the bills, should they become law, includes modifying the safe harbor protections for minors and establishing criteria for expert testimony in trafficking cases. According to the release from the Michigan Attorney General's office, an additional bill aims to amend the language used in the legal system by substituting "prostitution" with "commercial sex," a move that could reduce stigmatization and better reflect the non-consensual reality many trafficked individuals face.
The proposed legislation would also broaden the hearsay exception to include victims' statements and expand the statute permitting the admission of prior similar acts to encompass admissions of other commercial sexual activity and human trafficking offenses. This move is viewed as a significant step toward holding offenders accountable. Outside of legislation, Attorney General Nessel has spearheaded efforts against human trafficking through prosecutions and collaboration with law enforcement task forces. The Michigan Attorney General's office has trained more than 3,000 law enforcement personnel, charged 35 individuals, and secured 29 trafficking convictions.
For those seeking assistance regarding human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center is available 24/7 through a toll-free hotline at 888-373-7888 or by texting 233733. All communications are confidential. More information on Michigan's initiatives against human trafficking, including the updated state laws, can be found on the Attorney General's website.
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