A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” by amending section 18 (MCL 722.638), as amended by 2022 PA 66.
Senate Bills 520 strengthen Michigan’s legal framework against human trafficking, prostitution, and related offenses by increasing penalties and fines, streamlining sentencing provisions, and expanding restitution options for victims and government entities; raising penalties and reclassifying offenses involving prostitution and human trafficking—particularly those involving minors—with implementation contingent on related legislation; explicitly including human trafficking as grounds for terminating parental rights and strengthening procedural protections in child welfare cases; mandating court intervention and potential termination of parental rights in cases of child abuse involving human trafficking; and amending the Michigan Penal Code to raise the minimum age for criminal liability from 16 to 18, increase penalties for repeat offenders, create stricter felony penalties, and establish a deferred judgment program for first-time offenders that includes human trafficking awareness and treatment components.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
