Bills · S 2255
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2255Evidence and witnessesSmuggling and trafficking
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 10· LAST ACTION JUL 10
READING
15MIN
COSPONSORS
8BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a significant barrier to recovery for human trafficking survivors. Many victims are coerced into committing crimes by their traffickers, leading to criminal records that persist long after they escape their exploitation. These records can severely limit a survivor's ability to find stable jobs, safe housing, or further their education, effectively trapping them in a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a legal pathway for survivors to clear their names, helping them integrate back into society and achieve true freedom and independence. Without this law, many survivors would continue to face lifelong consequences for crimes they were forced to commit, hindering their rehabilitation and perpetuating the negative impacts of their past trauma. It's about recognizing the unique circumstances of trafficking victims and offering them a chance at a fresh start.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows human trafficking victims to request federal courts to vacate (overturn) convictions for non-violent federal offenses.
This provision enables survivors to remove the legal burden of convictions directly resulting from their exploitation, opening doors to employment and housing.
PROVISION 02
Permits human trafficking victims to request expungement (erasure) of federal arrest records for non-violent federal offenses.
Expunging arrest records helps remove the stigma and practical barriers associated with past arrests, even if they didn't lead to a conviction.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a process for expunging arrest records for certain violent federal offenses (excluding those against children) if the survivor was acquitted or charges were dropped.
This extends relief to survivors involved in more serious alleged crimes, recognizing that even in violent situations, they may have been acting under coercion.
PROVISION 04
Mandates courts to consider affidavits or sworn testimony from anti-human trafficking service providers as supporting evidence, which can be sufficient if credible and no other evidence is available.
This makes it easier for survivors, who often lack traditional documentation, to prove their status as trafficking victims in court.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 8
D· New York
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
0
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 75%
DEM 5 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 10
Introduced in Senate
JUL 10
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2255
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 10, 2025
Last actionJul 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 10, 2025
Senate BillS 2255Evidence and witnessesSmuggling and trafficking
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 10, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
15 min
COSPONSORS
8
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
