In committee, we heard devastating testimony from advocates—women who themselves had been trafficked for years. In their experience, hotel staff and other guests didn’t intervene. They believe that visible signage could change that, raising awareness not just for the victims but for workers in these places who might recognize that something is wrong and act, instead of just looking away.
Amy Smith, a Task Force member and director of healing services at Avalon Healing Center, put it plainly: trafficking is happening in plain sight, in hotels and motels across all of our communities. When the Task Force first engaged hotel staff in Detroit, many didn’t realize that it was occurring on their properties. As Smith said, it wasn’t a lack of willingness; it was a lack of preparation, and this bill addresses that. We already require hotline postings at rest areas, at airports, and at adult entertainment venues, but that alone is not enough. Every lodging facility in the state should send the same message: we see you, and help is available. That sign gives victims a way out, signals to bystanders how to spot the signs, and tells traffickers that Michigan won’t look the other way.
In May of 2024, the Detroit City Council voted unanimously to adopt similar legislation at the recommendation of the Task Force, chaired by Council Member Angela Whitfield Calloway. This bill passed out of committee with no opposition, and I ask for your “yes” vote.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 463, entitled
A bill to amend 1915 PA 31, entitled “Youth tobacco act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 722.642), as amended by 2019 PA 18.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Singh offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 5, line 2, after “ subsection. ” by striking out the balance of the bill.
The amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: