U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) introduced H.R. 7137, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, alongside Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) and lead cosponsor Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). The bipartisan bill aims to protect human trafficking survivors from federal criminal records tied to non-violent offenses committed under coercion.

Wagner stresses the need to provide resources for survivors to start anew, addressing the issue of traffickers forcing victims into illegal activities. H.R. 7137 proposes an affirmative defense, enabling survivors to challenge charges directly linked to their victimization. The bill also outlines relief measures like vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation for those previously convicted due to trafficking.

The bill has garnered support from organizations, including the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Hope for Justice, Rights 4 Girls, Shared Hope International, the National Survivor Law Collective Policy Group, and AAHOA. This collective effort aims to ease legal burdens for trafficking survivors, empowering them to break free from exploitation.

AAHOA was quoted in the original press release from Rep. Fry's office. Read it here.

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