LANSING, Mich. — The state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation aimed at curbing human trafficking in Michigan.
“We’re talking about the worst form of evil,” said Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, one of the lead sponsors of the package. “It is a crime that preys on the most vulnerable and takes away every bit of innocence, dignity and freedom from its victims — especially when it involves children.”
Damoose worked with Attorney General Dana Nessel and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing legislation earlier this year to enhance penalties and build on existing efforts to fight human trafficking in Michigan, while providing additional protection and support for victims of these crimes.
Senate Bills 520 and 521, which Damoose sponsored, would 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 efforts in the package include providing sentencing guidelines for such crimes and holding those who facilitate human trafficking accountable.
“We have to be willing to stand up and make an example of those who use Michigan as a hub for such depravity,” Damoose said. “No law can single-handedly eliminate human trafficking — it’s already illegal, yet new victims are still ensnared every single day. And the message is especially clear related to our children. If you traffic a child in Michigan, you will be at risk of spending the rest of your life in prison.
“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.”
SBs 520, 521 and 705 were all unanimously approved by the Senate and will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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Editor’s note: Video of Damoose delivering remarks in support of the bill package prior to Senate passage can be found by clicking here or visiting SenatorJohnDamoose.com/video.