LANSING, Mich. — Human trafficking victims are one step closer to receiving full protections in the State of Michigan.
Passed by the Michigan Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Senate Friday, Senate Bills 515-517 aim to not only protect trafficking victims, but provide them rights similar to those given to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, according to the attorney general’s office.
Separately, Senate Bills 515-517 aim to accomplish the following:
- Senate Bill 515 – amends Chapter VIII (trials) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow a statement concerning prostitution or human trafficking to be admissible as evidence.
- Senate Bill 516 – amends Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow evidence of a defendant’s prior commission of commercial sexual activity, human trafficking or prostitution to be admissible for any purpose.
- Senate Bill 517 – amends Chapter LXVIAA (Human Trafficking) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to bar someone from being excused from testifying or complying with an investigation, proceeding or trial involving human trafficking.
“From Western Upper Peninsula to Southeastern Michigan, no region is immune to this crime,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “Traffickers use control and submission to exploit their victims, subjecting them to sexual, physical and emotional abuse. These reforms will provide Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors with additional tools to help prosecute those who engage in this heinous, criminal behavior.”
The package of legislation is sponsored by Senators Rosemary Bayer (MI – 13), Sue Shink (MI – 14) and Stephanie Chang (MI – 3).
As of Friday, all three bills have merely been introduced in the Senate, according to the Michigan Legislature.
Source : wwmt.com
