Bill > HB5013

This bill modifies the legal standards for expert testimony in human trafficking prosecution cases in Michigan. The bill replaces existing language about expert testimony with new, more detailed provisions that establish clearer qualifications for expert witnesses. Specifically, an expert witness can now be qualified by the court if they have specialized knowledge from experience, training, or education in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, or victim services related to human trafficking. These experts can provide testimony to help judges and juries understand human trafficking dynamics, victim responses, and the impact of trafficking on victims. Importantly, while these expert witnesses can offer opinions about victim responses and behaviors, they are explicitly prohibited from commenting on the credibility of other witnesses. The bill also maintains previous protections for victims, ensuring that they cannot be excused from testifying and that their testimony cannot be used against them in subsequent criminal proceedings (with limited exceptions like perjury). The expert witness can be called to testify by either the prosecution or defense, which provides flexibility in presenting expert perspectives on human trafficking cases.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5013