Human Trafficking Bills Signed

Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law a large package of bills that, among other things, makes human trafficking punishable by imprisonment for life and permanently creates the state Human Trafficking Commission within the Attorney General’s Office. Snyder says it’s unacceptable that a dangerous and appalling practice like human trafficking continues to be a prevalent problem across the state and nation. One bill removes the statute of limitations for various crimes committed by a human trafficker. Another would increase penalties for human traffickers and “johns”” who solicit teens for prostitution. Both would placed on the state’s sex offender registry list if convicted. The bill package would also provide a presumption of innocence for minors accused of prostitution, remove gender references in certain statutes and provide counseling services for victims.