Senate approves trauma‑informed bill to help trafficking survivors vacate convictions
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Summary
House Bill 201 passed the Senate 20–1. Sponsors said the bill removes barriers to safety and stability for human‑trafficking survivors by allowing vacatur and sealing of certain nonviolent felony convictions incurred while trafficked, and permitting expungement absent Attorney General objection.
The Delaware Senate unanimously in substance approved House Bill 201 on final passage, with a recorded vote of 20 yes and 1 absent. Sponsors described the bill as a trauma‑informed effort to help survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives by removing criminal justice barriers tied to exploitation.
“ This mission of this bill is to remove obstacles to safety and stability for victims of human trafficking as they rebuild their lives after being trafficked,” said Senator Poore, the bill sponsor. He explained the bill allows survivors to seek to vacate nonviolent felony convictions that occurred while they were trafficked and provides for expungement and the sealing of records unless the Attorney General files an objection.
Lawmakers who spoke in favor said the bill recognizes the complex behaviors and coercion survivors face and aims to prevent further harm by easing access to housing, employment, and other supports. Several senators asked to be added as co‑sponsors during floor remarks; no substantive opposition was recorded on the floor.
The presiding officer announced that House Bill 201 received the required majority and was declared passed the Senate.
What happens next: The bill, having passed the Senate, will follow the Legislature’s normal transmission and enrollment process toward final enactment or reconciliation with the House as appropriate.
