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SB 522

Children: parental rights; grounds for termination of parental rights; include human trafficking violations. Amends sec. 19b, ch. XIIA of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712A.19b).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan bill adds human trafficking violations as grounds for terminating parental rights to protect trafficked children and expedite their removal from dangerous family situations.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
#children:parentalrights #crimes:humantrafficking
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Bill Summary · SB 522

Legislative bill overview

SB 522 amends Michigan's child welfare law to add human trafficking violations as grounds for terminating parental rights. The bill expands the existing statutory basis for removing children from parental custody to include cases where parents are involved in trafficking minors or facilitating trafficking situations.

Why is this important

Human trafficking of children is a serious felony that causes severe harm to victims. By making trafficking a statutory ground for termination rather than requiring courts to establish unfitness through other means, the bill aims to expedite child protection and removal from dangerous situations. This could streamline legal processes in cases where parental involvement in trafficking is documented.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Some may argue that trafficking convictions or allegations should be evaluated case-by-case rather than creating an automatic termination ground, raising questions about parental rights protections
  • Definition scope: Unclear whether the bill covers only direct perpetration or also includes parental knowledge/facilitation, which could affect its practical application
  • Intersection with criminal proceedings: Questions about whether termination proceedings should wait for criminal conviction or proceed independently, and coordination between family court and criminal justice systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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