The state Senate has 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 that was approved Jan. 28. “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.
SBs 520, 521 and 705 were all unanimously approved by the Senate and will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
“We’re talking about the worst form of evil,” said Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, one of the lead sponsors of the package that was approved Jan. 28. “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.
SBs 520, 521 and 705 were all unanimously approved by the Senate and will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
