Trafficking Survivors Relief Act signed into law

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Following the signing of the bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act into law, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement: "I am thrilled that my bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act has been signed into law. This represents significant progress in the effort to support victims of human trafficking, protecting them against the vicious cycle of criminalization that arises when their traffickers force them to break the law. I want to thank Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Reps. Russell Fry and Ted Lieu for their partnership in getting this bill across the finish line, and I am so grateful to all of the survivors who have bravely come forward and shared their stories. Our work continues in the fight to end human trafficking once and for all." Their Trafficking Survivors Relief Act enables survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent criminal convictions or arrest records they incurred while being trafficked vacated and expunged, shielding them from criminalization and subsequent problems securing housing and employment as they work to reestablish their lives. Additionally, the new law: Allows for an individual's status as a victim of trafficking to be a mitigating factor for courts to consider when imposing a prison sentence for violent crimes. Requires U.S. attorneys to submit a report one year after enactment detailing the number of motions filed under the law. Ensures that DOJ Office for Victims of Crime and Office on Violence Against Women grant funding can be used for legal representation for post-conviction relief activities. Sen. Gillibrand first introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues in 2016 and reintroduced it in every subsequent Congress. The most recent version of the bill, which was signed into law by President Trump, was co-led by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in the Senate and Reps. Russell Fry (R-SC-07) and Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) in the House of Representatives. The legislation unanimously passed the House and Senate in December 2025. For a full list of endorsing organizations, please click here.

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Trafficking Survivors Relief Act signed into law

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