Human Trafficking Bill
I am happy to announce that House Bill 198, "Human Trafficking Commission Recommendations", for which I was the lead Primary Sponsor, has passed both Chambers of the General Assembly and has been signed by the Governor.
This legislation was needed to reduce the demand fueling human trafficking and to expand the avenues of post-conviction and civil relief available to victims. Among other things, the Bill authorizes a court to expunge certain nonviolent offense convictions for an adult victim of human trafficking if the offenses were committed due to either coercion or deception by a trafficker. The Bill also allows for the expunction of records alleging or adjudicating delinquency if a juvenile has been a victim of human trafficking.
I have been, and will continue to be, a strong advocate against this terrible act that has devastating consequences on those who have been victimized and forced to engage in such unlawful sexual conduct.
This legislation was needed to reduce the demand fueling human trafficking and to expand the avenues of post-conviction and civil relief available to victims. Among other things, the Bill authorizes a court to expunge certain nonviolent offense convictions for an adult victim of human trafficking if the offenses were committed due to either coercion or deception by a trafficker. The Bill also allows for the expunction of records alleging or adjudicating delinquency if a juvenile has been a victim of human trafficking.
I have been, and will continue to be, a strong advocate against this terrible act that has devastating consequences on those who have been victimized and forced to engage in such unlawful sexual conduct.