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Governor signs legislation to help human trafficking victims

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation that allows more victims of human trafficking to have their criminal records dismissed. 

Snyder signed a bill Tuesday that removes the restriction that a victim is only eligible for deferral or dismissal of criminal charges if they had no prior convictions.

The bill was sponsored by Republican state Rep. Bronna Kahle of Adrian, who says it will help lead victims to rebuild better lives.

Snyder says Michigan needs to do everything it can to assist victims of human trafficking.

Victims previously weren't eligible for dismissal or deferral of charges if they had previous prostitution-related charges on their record.

In 2015, Snyder signed into law that made human trafficking punishable by life imprisonment.

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