A bipartisan bill aimed at helping survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives is now headed to President Trump’s desk.
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act on Thursday, following earlier approval by the House. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi.
The bill would allow survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent federal offenses vacated and expunged if they were forced to commit those crimes while being trafficked. Supporters say the change would remove long-term barriers to employment, housing, and stability.
Gillibrand said the vote marked the end of a nearly decade-long effort. She first introduced the legislation in 2016 and reintroduced it in every Congress since.
“This legislation will help shield trafficking survivors from further undue harm,” Gillibrand said, calling the bill a way to prevent survivors from being punished for crimes committed under duress.
Hyde-Smith said human trafficking affects communities nationwide and often leaves lasting consequences even after victims escape exploitation. She said the bill gives survivors a chance at a fresh start by clearing records tied directly to their abuse.
Beyond record expungement, the proposal includes several additional provisions. It would allow courts to consider a person’s status as a trafficking victim when sentencing for violent crimes. It would also require U.S. attorneys to report on how often the new relief process is used within a year of enactment.
The bill also ensures that certain federal grant funds can be used to provide legal help for survivors seeking post-conviction relief.
With bipartisan backing in both chambers, supporters are urging President Trump to sign the measure into law promptly.
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