State Senator John Damoose, joined by Attorney General Dana Nessel, state Representative Kelly Breen, and other lawmakers, announced a set of legislative proposals aimed at strengthening Michigan’s response to human trafficking. The press conference took place Wednesday morning in Lansing.
“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. “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.”
Damoose highlighted the ongoing problem of individuals being coerced or forced into exploitation each year. He stressed the need for coordinated action between lawmakers and the justice system to address loopholes that traffickers exploit.
“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.
He emphasized that the proposed legislation targets not only traffickers but also those who solicit 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.
The legislative package includes a bill sponsored by Damoose that would double existing penalties for human trafficking from 10 years imprisonment or a $10,000 fine to 20 years or $20,000. Penalties for trafficking minors would increase up to life imprisonment or a $50,000 fine.
Other measures would establish sentencing guidelines for related crimes, make human trafficking grounds for terminating parental rights, update legal language regarding solicitation while increasing penalties, allow survivors to have certain criminal convictions reversed if they resulted from victimization, and expand protections for minors affected by trafficking.
“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.”
A video of Senator Damoose speaking at the press conference is available on his website at SenatorJohnDamoose.com/video.
