LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Life in prison is now on the table for some human trafficking crimes in Michigan after the Senate unanimously approved a package of tougher penalties on Jan.28.
The three-bill package, sponsored by Sens. John Damoose (R–Harbor Springs) and Sue Shink (D–Northfield Township), would make life in prison possible for trafficking crimes involving minors, up from the current 20-year maximum.
The legislation would also double the maximum prison sentence for harboring someone for forced labor, raising it from 10 years to 20, and increase penalties for repeat offenders who allow their property to be used for prostitution, from up to two years in prison to up to five.
“I know it can’t eliminate human trafficking, but I want there to be a significant number of people who two years from now will not be trafficked that day when they wake up because or our bills,” Damoose said.
Michigan was among the states with the highest number of human trafficking reports in 2024, with the National Human Trafficking Hotline logging 764 tips that led to hundreds of identified cases and victims.