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HB 5013

Criminal procedure: trial; qualifications of expert witnesses in human trafficking cases; modify. Amends sec. 462g of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.462g).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 17 co-sponsors

HB 5013 modifies expert witness qualification standards for human trafficking trials in Michigan to potentially expand acceptable expertise and strengthen prosecution evidence presentation.

bill electronically reproduced 09/18/2025
#crimes:humantrafficking #criminalprocedure:trial #criminalprocedure:witnesses
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Bill Summary · HB 5013

Legislative bill overview

HB 5013 modifies Michigan's expert witness qualification standards specifically for human trafficking cases under MCL 750.462g. The bill appears designed to clarify or expand what qualifications an expert witness must possess when testifying in trafficking prosecutions, potentially lowering barriers or broadening the pool of acceptable experts.

Why is this important

Human trafficking cases often depend heavily on expert testimony about trafficking patterns, coercion tactics, victim behavior, and exploitation dynamics. Adjusting expert witness standards directly affects the quality and accessibility of evidence courts hear, which can significantly influence prosecution success rates and jury understanding of trafficking's complexities.

Potential points of contention

  • Expert qualification standards: Defining who qualifies as an "expert" in human trafficking involves balancing rigorous credentials against practical availability; some may argue standards are too loose (allowing less-qualified witnesses) or too strict (excluding valuable practitioners and advocates)
  • Prosecutorial advantage vs. fairness: Expanding expert eligibility may help prosecutors build stronger cases, but defense attorneys might argue it allows biased testimony or reduces defense challenges to expert reliability
  • Scope and cost implications: Clarifying expert qualifications could increase trial costs if more experts are deemed acceptable, or reduce them if standards are streamlined—fiscal impact unclear without seeing the actual language

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

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