Breen Leads Bipartisan Human Trafficking Package to Protect Survivors, Modernize Michigan Law
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2025 — State Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) reintroduced a bipartisan package (House Bills 5009–5028) last week to combat human trafficking in Michigan. The House package centers on empowering survivors and updating outdated statutes. The bills expand expungements for crimes people were forced to commit due to being trafficked, create an affirmative defense for victims, and strengthen protections for minors, ensuring they are diverted from the criminal system and connected to support services. “At its core, these bills empower survivors to come forward to help put the real criminals behind bars. Survivors should not have to bend to their oppressors. Instead, we must expose these criminals and protect those who have been exploited,” Breen stated. “This package will ensure survivors are not permanently marked for crimes they’ve been forced to commit, while also strengthening the tools law enforcement needs to hold traffickers fully accountable. By modernizing our laws to reflect the realities of exploitation and trauma, these bills affirm that Michigan can be both firm in enforcement and humane in its pursuit of justice.” The package modernizes outdated language in multiple laws by replacing “prostitution” with “commercial sexual activity,” and removing outdated terminology. The bills also bring Michigan in line with national best practices and update expert-witness standards so trained professionals can explain the realities of trauma and coercion, helping courts separate fact from stigma. “Survivors should not carry a criminal record for crimes their traffickers forced them to commit,” Breen continued. “I’ve seen the law used as a nightstick against the very people it should protect. This package changes that, shifting the focus to the exploiters, giving survivors a chance at a clean slate, and equipping prosecutors, judges and juries with the tools to recognize the realities of coercion and trauma.” Breen said she looks forward to working with state Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), who is leading a bipartisan package in the Senate with additional bills to combat human trafficking — making this a coordinated bicameral effort. The House package was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where Breen plans to work with key stakeholders, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and partners in the Senate to advance the legislation this term. |
Press Release | Office of State Rep. Kelly Breen|
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