EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY

IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES

House Bill 4211 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Peter J. Lucido

Committee:  Law and Justice

Complete to 3-3-17

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4211 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.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The bill is identical to House Bill 5808 of the 2015-2016 Legislative Session.  The bill was reported from the Criminal Justice Committee but failed to see floor action.  For a detailed analysis on HB 5808 as reported, see: 

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0pp3gyse0bewfop10zdailiy))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2016-HB-5808

For more information on Human Trafficking, the work being done by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, and additional resources, see the Attorney General's human trafficking website at www.michigan.gov/humantrafficking.

                                                                                        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.