The 2016 Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Report landed on the desks of Michigan lawmakers today, just as legislation recommended by the Commission unanimously passed the Michigan House.
The report highlights the work completed and the ongoing work by the Commission, including: statewide Human Trafficking Conference (Sept. 2016); working with medical societies to develop a comprehensive training video for health care professionals to use to identify human trafficking victims; reviewing state law and policies to make legislative recommendations
Schuette also thanked State Rep. Bronna Kahle for her introduction of House Bill 4219, legislation recommended by the commission. If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, the bill would give victims of human trafficking the ability to have a prostitution-related offense removed from their records if they were forced to commit it, even if the individual had a prior conviction.
“Victims of human trafficking deserve a fresh start after the terrifying ordeal they have gone through,” said Schuette. “Being forced into prostitution through fraud or coercion is traumatic, and piecing together a life afterward can be complicated by past criminal charges. My hope is that this legislation becomes law and helps a victim set their record straight, and allows them to secure a job or continue their education.”
The next meeting of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission is May 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the G. Mennen Williams Building in Lansing.
Created by reallocating resources in the Attorney General's Criminal Division, Schuette's Human Trafficking Unit has placed an increased focus on combating human trafficking in Michigan, a priority Schuette identified upon taking office. The unit works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to uncover and prosecute cases of modern-day slavery involving both children and adults.
For more information, visit the Attorney General’s human trafficking webpage at www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-60857---,00.html
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