LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation aiming to crack down on human trafficking and help its victims.
The 21-bill package signed Thursday lets victims clear their criminal records. Minors suspected of prostitution will be presumed to be victims, and "johns" soliciting sex from minors will face stiffer criminal penalties.
The laws eliminate the statute of limitations for exploiting children and extend it to bring charges against suspected adult traffickers. Those soliciting sex from minors will be added to Michigan's sex offender registry.
The laws stem from recommendations made by a human trafficking commission. The laws were inspired in part by trafficking victim Theresa Flores, who watched in tears as Snyder signed bills at Walsh College in Troy.
Advocates say Michigan's anti-trafficking laws are among the toughest in the U.S.
