EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY

IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE

House Bill 5808 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Peter J. Lucido

Committee:  Criminal Justice

Complete to 9-16-16

SUMMARY:

The bill will allow expert witness testimony regarding behavioral patterns of a victim of human trafficking to be admissible as evidence in a criminal case.

Specifically, House Bill 5808 would amend the Michigan Penal Code, Chapter LXVIIA (Human Trafficking), to allow expert testimony as to the behavioral patterns of human trafficking victims and the manner in which a human trafficking victim's behavior may deviate from societal expectations to be admissible in court in a prosecution.  This would apply only if the expert testimony is otherwise admissible under the Michigan Rules of Evidence and state laws.

The bill will take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 750.462g

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.