Detroit City Wire

Senator Michael Webber has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening Michigan’s response to human trafficking. The move is part of a bipartisan initiative that involves collaboration between lawmakers and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

“Human trafficking is among the vilest criminal enterprises of our time, and it continues to plague our communities at horrific rates,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “The bipartisan bills being introduced with the support of our attorney general will work to close loopholes in our current laws, provide better support for victims, keep these criminals behind bars and keep Michigan communities safe.”

Webber participated in a press conference alongside Nessel and other legislators on Wednesday morning to outline the proposed measures. According to Webber, Senate Bill 524 would increase penalties for solicitation related to trafficking and update state law to address contemporary trafficking methods, including those involving rental properties such as hotels.

The legislative package also includes provisions that would allow courts to terminate parental rights in certain cases of trafficking and increase sentencing guidelines for offenders. One bill proposes life sentences for individuals convicted of trafficking minors.

“As legislators, we have a responsibility to ensure our laws work to protect vulnerable victims — especially children — and hold criminal traffickers accountable to the full weight of our state’s justice system,” Webber said. “I look forward to getting these bills passed and signed into law.”