Michigan Lawmakers Consider Expanding Human Trafficking Hotline Display

Proposed legislation would require hotels and motels to post trafficking victim hotline number.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:24am

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A photorealistic oil painting of a hotel room door partially open, with warm light streaming in from the hallway and deep shadows on the walls, conceptually representing the hidden crisis of human trafficking.The proposed legislation aims to make the human trafficking hotline more visible in hotels and motels, where victims may pass through seeking help.Lansing Today

The Michigan State Senate is considering a bill that would expand the requirement for displaying the National Human Trafficking Hotline number to include hotels and motels across the state. The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Senator Mallory McMorrow, aims to aid in the fight against human trafficking by making the hotline more visible to potential victims.

Why it matters

Human trafficking remains a serious issue in Michigan, with victims often passing through hotels and motels. Expanding the hotline display requirement to these locations could help connect more victims with critical support services and resources.

The details

Senate Bill 481 would add hotels and motels to the list of businesses and venues that are required to prominently display the National Human Trafficking Hotline number. Currently, the law mandates this signage in rest areas, airports, adult entertainment venues, and locations with a known trafficking history.

  • The Michigan State Senate will consider the bill when lawmakers return to Lansing next week after the joint Easter/Passover holiday.
  • Senate Bill 481 is currently being reviewed by the Upper Chamber's Housing and Human Services Committee.

The players

Mallory McMorrow

A Democratic state senator who is sponsoring the legislation and is also a US Senate hopeful.

Frank Baker

The Allegan County Sheriff, who has expressed support for the bill as a tool in the battle against human trafficking.

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What they’re saying

“This would help in the battle against this scourge.”

— Frank Baker, Allegan County Sheriff

What’s next

The Senate Housing and Human Services Committee will review and potentially advance Senate Bill 481 in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Expanding the human trafficking hotline display requirement to hotels and motels is a targeted effort to increase awareness and accessibility of critical support services for victims in Michigan.