Federal bill lets trafficking survivors erase criminal records
In committeeH.R. 1379Latest action
Sponsor: Russell Fry · Representative · SC
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Official title: Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 1379 lets trafficking survivors petition federal courts to clear convictions or arrests tied to crimes they were forced to commit.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 1379 creates a legal process for human trafficking survivors to petition federal courts to clear convictions or arrests tied to crimes committed under coercion. Non-violent convictions can be fully erased, and arrests that did not result in convictions can also be cleared. People currently incarcerated for such crimes may petition for a reduced sentence.
Who does it affect?
The bill primarily affects people who were trafficked and received federal criminal records as a result of crimes they were forced to commit. Federal prosecutors, judges, and legal aid organizations are also directly affected.
Why does it matter?
Survivors with federal criminal records face ongoing legal consequences for crimes they were coerced into committing while being trafficked. The bill also allows a formal trafficking-duress defense to be raised in ongoing federal cases or after an original trial when seeking reduced sentences or other relief.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 14, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 14, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.