State Rep. Sue Allor, of Wolverine, is part of a new, sweeping bipartisan plan to support survivors of human trafficking and help them rebuild their lives after escaping their captors.  

In preparation to reintroduce her portion of the legislative package, Allor underscored the impactful testimony she recently heard from survivors and others during a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

“We must work to empower survivors who have gone through the horrors of human trafficking by giving them justice, as well as putting them in a position to break free from their harmful past and live successful lives going forward,” Allor said. “The stories we heard are tragic. My heart breaks for these individuals and their families. These reforms are a massive and meaningful step forward for many.”

Allor’s bill, House Bill 4099, addresses prostitution and changes references within state law to accommodate the new definition of commercial sexual activity.

The bipartisan plan also: 

• Expands the types of criminal convictions that can be set aside if a crime was committed because someone is a victim of human trafficking. 
• Allows human trafficking victims who were forced to engage in criminal activity the opportunity to use their victimization as an affirmative defense in court. 
• Allows juvenile offenses committed by a young victim of trafficking to be expunged from their criminal record. 
• Updates and clarify several court procedures for human trafficking cases. 

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, second only to drug trafficking as the highest yielding form of crime, according to the U.S. Department of State. Approximately $87 million is made per day from sex trafficking transactions.  

The plan has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.