LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michael Webber on Wednesday announced that he will introduce legislation as part of a bipartisan effort between lawmakers and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to increase penalties against human traffickers and better protect victims.
“Human trafficking is among the vilest criminal enterprises of our time, and it continues to plague our communities at horrific rates,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “The bipartisan bills being introduced with the support of our attorney general will work to close loopholes in our current laws, provide better support for victims, keep these criminals behind bars and keep Michigan communities safe.”
Webber joined Nessel and bipartisan lawmakers at a press conference on Wednesday morning to discuss efforts to combat human trafficking in Michigan.
He said Senate Bill 524 would increase penalties for solicitation and update state law to account for modern trafficking practices that utilize rental spaces, such as hotels and other businesses.
Other bills in the package would provide for the termination of parental rights and increase penalties for human trafficking, including life sentences for the trafficking of minors.
“As legislators, we have a responsibility to ensure our laws work to protect vulnerable victims — especially children — and hold criminal traffickers accountable to the full weight of our state’s justice system,” Webber said. “I look forward to getting these bills passed and signed into law.”