LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. John Damoose was accompanied by Attorney General Dana Nessel, state Rep. Kelly Breen and other lawmakers during a press conference Wednesday morning to announce legislation meant to build on previous efforts to curb human trafficking in Michigan.
“Human trafficking is among the most vile and sinful occurrences in our modern society. It is a crime that preys on the vulnerable and takes away every bit of innocence, dignity and freedom from its victims — especially when it involves children — and we ought to be doing everything we can to fight this evil at every level,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “These bills include additional tools to fight human trafficking in our state and also efforts to provide additional protection and support for victims of these disgusting, disturbing crimes.”
Every year, countless individuals are coerced, manipulated or forced into situations of exploitation. Damoose said this needs to be a highly coordinated, joint effort between lawmakers and the justice system to close loopholes that criminals use to carry out these crimes.
“I want to give credit to those in law enforcement for the job they’ve done, but it is our duty as lawmakers to put as many tools as we can in their toolbox and help those on the front lines put more of these people behind bars where they belong,” Damoose said.
Damoose said it is important to note these bills not only go after the traffickers, but also those who solicit such illicit services.
“Often we’ve demonized the person being trafficked against their will and given a virtually free pass to those who are just out there gratifying themselves — blissfully unaware that their actions are building an illicit economy that literally enslaves another human being,” he said.
Among the items announced was Damoose’s legislation to increase current penalties for human trafficking from a 10-year and/or $10,000 penalty to a 20-year and/or $20,000 penalty — while trafficking a minor would be increased to life in prison and/or a $50,000 penalty.
Other bills in the newly announced package would provide sentencing guidelines for such crimes, make human trafficking a statutory ground for termination of parental rights, update language and increase penalties for solicitation, allow victims and survivors of these crimes to have criminal convictions reversed if they were the result of their victimization, and expand protections for minor victims.
“Unfortunately, Michigan’s proximity to an international border makes this issue a harsh reality that hits home for people in every corner of our state,” Damoose said. “Michigan ranks far too low in the fight against human trafficking. We have a responsibility to continue doing everything we can to track down bad actors and get them off of the streets.”
###
Editor’s Note: Video of Damoose speaking at Wednesday’s press conference can be found by clicking here, or on his website at SenatorJohnDamoose.com/video.