HB 5839 Michigan House · 2023-2024 Regular Session

Crimes: human trafficking; safe harbor protection for minors who are victims of sex and labor trafficking; modify certain requirements. Amends sec. 451 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.451).

This bill modifies Michigan's penal code to strengthen protections and procedures for minors involved in human trafficking cases. It establishes a legal presumption that children under 18 are coerced into sex or labor trafficking offenses, shifting the burden to the prosecution to prove otherwise if they wish to avoid this classification. The legislation also mandates that law enforcement immediately report suspected trafficking involving minors to the Department of Health and Human Services, which must then begin an investigation within 24 hours. Additionally, the bill clarifies how prior convictions affect sentencing severity and outlines specific evidence types courts can use to verify a defendant's criminal history. These changes directly impact law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and the Department of Health and Human Services in handling cases involving child victims of trafficking.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2024
Committee Review
Dec 2024
House Passage
Dec 2024
Senate Passage
Dec 2024
Governor
Introduced Jun 25, 2024 Last action Dec 18, 2024
Floor votes · House Dec 11, 2024

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Dec 18, 2024
Committee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
Dec 18, 2024
Upper · Passed
PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
upper
Dec 11, 2024
Lower · Passed
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call # 422 Yeas 60 Nays 49 Excused 0 Not Voting 1
lower
Dec 11, 2024
Lower · Passed
passed Roll Call # 421 Yeas 56 Nays 48 Excused 0 Not Voting 6
lower
Nov 13, 2024
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
Nov 13, 2024
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation without amendment
lower
Jun 25, 2024
Committee
referred to Committee on Judiciary
lower
Jun 25, 2024
Introduced
introduced by Representative Reggie Miller
lower
1 primary · 19 co-sponsors

Sponsors