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Senate approves expansion of nondisclosure eligibility for trafficking survivors
Summary
The Senate passed a committee substitute to SB 9 58 to allow more survivors of human trafficking to seek nondisclosure of misdemeanor criminal history related to offenses committed under coercion, expanding the list of sealable offenses to help survivors access jobs and housing.
The Senate passed the committee substitute to Senate Bill 9,58, expanding the eligibility for certain victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution to obtain an order of nondisclosure for misdemeanor criminal history that resulted from actions taken while under the control of traffickers.
Senator Parker, speaking for the measure, said survivors often face barriers to recovery because convictions tied to forced acts — such as drug possession, forgery, or public intoxication — can bar them from employment and housing. The committee substitute would expand the list of sealable offenses to include all misdemeanor offenses related to drugs, forgery or government documents, and public intoxication when those crimes were committed as a result of trafficking.
The substitute does not change the court process for survivors to obtain nondisclosure; they must still convince a court the records resulted from being a trafficking victim. Supporters said the change helps survivors “rebuild their lives while still allowing law enforcement access to necessary public‑safety information.”
The Senate passed the substitute to engrossment, suspended the three‑day rule, and recorded final passage with the roll call showing 21 ayes, no nays.
Votes at a glance: final passage recorded as 21–0.
