Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the Michigan Senate’s unanimous approval of a legislative package addressing human trafficking, which includes Senate Bills 520, 521, and 705. "Human trafficking is pervasive, and one of the most important ways we can combat it is to enact meaningful legislation," Nessel said, calling the passage a positive step toward becoming law, according to the Department of Attorney General.
Last year, the bills were introduced with support from state Senator John Damoose and state Representative Kelly Breen, who brought complementary legislation in the House. Michigan recorded 764 human trafficking reports last year, resulting in 340 cases and 585 identified victims, though the true number is likely higher due to underreporting, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
Attorney General Nessel leads efforts against human trafficking through her office’s Human Trafficking Unit, which prosecutes cases, works with law enforcement, and provides training. Last week, she gave written testimony supporting House Bills 5009-5013 to strengthen laws against human trafficking. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center has a 24/7 hotline at 888-373-7888 or text 233733, and in Michigan, the toll-free hotline 855-MICH-TIP is available for help, as stated by the Department of Attorney General.
