Michigan Senate Unanimously Approves Tougher Penalties for Human Trafficking

New legislation doubles potential sentences and prevents minors from being charged with facilitating prostitution.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Michigan Senate has unanimously passed a package of bills that would significantly increase penalties for human trafficking offenses. One bill doubles the potential prison sentence from 10 years to 20 years, while another prevents minors from being charged with facilitating prostitution, potentially keeping some victims out of legal jeopardy.

Why it matters

Human trafficking remains a major issue in Michigan, with the National Human Trafficking Hotline receiving over 10,000 reports from the state leading to nearly 7,000 victims being identified. Lawmakers hope these tougher penalties will serve as a deterrent and lead to fewer instances of trafficking, especially in tourism-heavy areas like Northern Michigan.

The details

The bill package includes measures that double the potential penalties for trafficking offenses, from 10 years or $10,000 to 20 years or $20,000. Another bill increases penalties for facilitating prostitution and prevents minors from being charged with that crime. State Senator John Damoose, who sponsored the legislation, believes the bills will lead to a significant reduction in the number of trafficking victims in the state.

  • In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 764 signals from Michigan, leading to 585 victims being identified.
  • The Michigan Senate unanimously passed the bill package this week.

The players

John Damoose

A Republican state senator representing Michigan's 37th district, who sponsored the human trafficking bill package.

Juliette Schultz

The executive director of the Women's Resource Center in Traverse City, who says the tougher penalties and increased enforcement could serve as deterrents to human trafficking.

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What they’re saying

“These bills, by themselves, are not going to eliminate human trafficking — it's already illegal, and it's going to be going on. But what I said is, whatever the bills do, I want to pass bills that two years from now, there will be a significant number of women, children and men who wake up who would have been trafficked that day, but aren't being trafficked because of these bills. And I think that's what we've got”

— John Damoose, State Senator

“I really think that any time that we can recognize and hold people committing crimes against other people accountable, it's a positive effect on us and our communities as a whole.”

— Juliette Schultz, Executive Director, Women's Resource Center

What’s next

The bill package still needs to pass through the Republican-controlled state House before it can go to the desk of Governor Gretchen Whitmer for final approval.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant step forward in Michigan's efforts to combat human trafficking, with tougher penalties and measures to protect victims. However, lawmakers and advocates recognize that more work is needed, including continued funding for community services that support survivors.