Committee clears bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act to help victims vacate nonviolent convictions

The House Judiciary Committee advanced HR 4323, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, after bipartisan discussion and adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Members on both sides of the aisle urged support for a measure that would permit trafficking survivors who committed nonviolent offenses as a direct result of being trafficked to seek vacation of convictions or expungement at the federal level.

Sponsor Representative Jeff Johnson described the bill as aligned with statutes already enacted in many states and said it would restore survivors' ability to pursue education and work without a criminal record that resulted from exploitation. Supporters noted about 47 states already have some form of relief for trafficking survivors and said the federal law would fill gaps for interstate cases and ensure consistent relief nationwide.

The ranking member praised the bipartisan nature of the bill while noting broader concerns about funding and enforcement of anti-trafficking programs. Several members asked for technical corrections and clarifications to ensure the law targets victims specifically and contains safeguards to protect public safety; the substitute addressed those questions. Multiple advocacy organizations and survivor coalitions submitted letters of support, which committee members entered into the record.

The committee adopted the substitute and voted to report the bill favorably; the markup transcript records the amendment adoption and a voice vote to report the measure. Committee leaders said they would press the bill to the floor.

Ending: Advocates and committee members described the bill as narrow and victim-centered; staff will prepare technical edits and the bill will proceed through the House floor process.