Rep. Whiteford Introduces Huge, Bipartisan Human Trafficking Bill Package

whitefordtrafficking
whitefordtrafficking

A massive 24-bill package is now in the state House to help human trafficking survivors. Representative Mary Whiteford of Casco Township is among the sponsors and says there’s not much awareness of the scope of the problem in Michigan.

“Many people believe that human trafficking is the kidnapping of young women who are then sold as sex slaves,” said Whiteford. “Many believe it only happens in six states. However, the reality is that Michigan is second in the nation in human trafficking complaints.”

She says the bills are about allowing survivors a chance for redemption. The bipartisan package would expand the types of convictions that can be set aside if a crime was committed because someone is a victim of human trafficking, allows juvenile offenses by young human trafficking victims to be expunged, and changes references of “prostitution” to “commercial sexual activity” in state law among other things.

The bills are now before the House Judiciary Committee.