WILX: Michigan lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to combat human trafficking

Two members of Congress from Michigan are working across party lines to combat human trafficking.

Republican Congressman Tim Walberg introduced the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act in the House of Representatives, and Senator Elissa Slotkin introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

The bipartisan legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to train its employees to recognize signs of human trafficking and refer suspected cases to law enforcement.

“No one should live in fear of exploitation or abuse, and human trafficking is a direct attack on that fundamental freedom and is happening in plain sight, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and our communities,” said Senator Slotkin.

The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act would:

• Direct the Department of Labor to train staff on how to identify signs of human trafficking.
• Ensure personnel receive regular updates on trends and best practices.
• Provide flexible training options, including in-person and virtual learning.
• Establish clear protocols for referring suspected trafficking cases to law enforcement.
• Require a report to Congress on the implementation of staff training and how the Department tracks and evaluates its anti-trafficking efforts.