Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
Bill seeks to clear records and reduce sentences for trafficking survivors forced into crimes
Signed Into Law
This legislation has been enacted.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Survivors can ask a federal judge to erase arrests and overturn convictions for non-violent crimes they were forced to commit.
- Some arrests for violent crimes can be erased if tied to trafficking and charges were dropped or they were found not guilty; crimes hurting a child are not covered.
- Judges can cut prison time if the crime happened because of trafficking; past and current cases can qualify.
- No filing fees; cases are filed under seal to protect privacy; police and courts must remove the records once cleared.
- Prosecutors and watchdogs must report how this is used; grants can pay lawyers to help; being a trafficking victim can be used as a duress defense in court.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Some trafficking victims enter the U.S. on work or other visas and are then forced into criminal activity. A federal conviction can jeopardize their immigration status or make them deportable. By allowing these convictions to be vacated and records expunged, this law helps visa holders who were trafficking victims protect their legal status and avoid immigration consequences tied to crimes they were forced to commit.
Disabilities
Milestones
Became Public Law No: 119-73.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Signed by President.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Presented to President.
Both chambers passed identical text. The President has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8894)
The Senate voted to approve this bill. If the House already passed it, it goes to the President.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Rep. Fry’s relief bill for human trafficking survivors passes House
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act passed the U.S. House, allowing survivors to clear nonviolent offenses committed under coercion; the bill now heads to the Senate.
Hyde-Smith Statement on Legislation to Support Victims of Human Trafficking
Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Cindy Hyde-Smith praise House passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act and urge swift Senate action to clear records for trafficking survivors.
Gillibrand, Hyde-Smith statement on House passage of their legislation to support victims of human trafficking
Local outlet carries senators’ statement after the House unanimously passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would vacate certain convictions and expunge arrest records for survivors.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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