2023 Senate Bill 515

Criminal procedure: evidence; admissibility of certain hearsay testimony in certain human trafficking and prostitution prosecutions; provide for.

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 27c of chapter VIII (MCL 768.27c), as added by 2006 PA 79.

Senate Fiscal Agency Analysis

Human trafficking is the illegal act of forcing an individual to perform labor or sexual acts and often involves the kidnapping and harboring of the individual.

Senate Bill 515 (S-1) would amend Chapter VIII (Trials) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow a statement concerning prostitution or human trafficking to be admissible as evidence.

Senate Bill 516 would amend Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow evidence of a defendant's prior commission of commercial sexual activity, human trafficking, or prostitution to be admissible for any relevant purpose.

Senate Bill 517 (S-1) would amend Chapter LXVIIA (Human Trafficking) of the Michigan Penal Code to prohibit a victim, complainant, or witness necessary for the prosecution from being excused from testifying or complying with an investigation, proceeding, or trial involving human trafficking if evidence would tend to degrade or incriminate the individual. The bill specifies that truthful testimony by the individual generally could not be used against the individual in a criminal case.

Introduced in the Senate

Sept. 20, 2023

Introduced by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-13) and eight co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Sens. Sue Shink (D-14), John Cherry (D-27), John Damoose (R-37), Stephanie Chang (D-3), Jeff Irwin (D-15), Erika Geiss (D-1), Veronica Klinefelt (D-11) and Roger Victory (R-31)

Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety

Nov. 9, 2023

Reported with substitute S-1

Nov. 14, 2023

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Jan. 11, 2024

Reported with substitute S-1

Substitute S-1 concurred in by voice vote

Jan. 25, 2024

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

Jan. 30, 2024

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Nov. 13, 2024

Reported with substitute H-2

Dec. 11, 2024

Substitute H-2 concurred in by voice vote

Passed in the House 56 to 53 (details)

Motion to give immediate effect by Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-9)

The motion prevailed by voice vote

Received in the Senate

Dec. 12, 2024

Substitute H-2 concurred in 35 to 0 (details)