H.R. 4323 · Where this bill is now
Became law
Public Law 119-73, Jan 23, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryClears records for trafficking victims' crimes
This act creates a way for people who were victims of human trafficking to clear certain criminal convictions from their record and erase arrest records. The crimes have to be ones they committed as a direct result of being trafficked. The bill also requires the government to track how many people use this process and to make sure lawyers helping trafficking survivors know they can use certain grants to help with this legal work.
How it affects you
If you're a human trafficking survivor who was arrested or convicted for crimes connected to your trafficking, you could potentially have those records cleared. Defense attorneys and legal aid organizations helping trafficking survivors will have clearer guidance on what crimes qualify and access to funding for this type of legal help. The bill doesn't directly affect people who haven't been trafficking victims, though it does require the government to report on how often this process is used and whether prosecutors are trained to recognize trafficking situations.
Read the official summary (Public Law, Jan 23, 2026)
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
This act establishes a process to vacate convictions and expunge arrest records for certain criminal offenses committed by victims of human trafficking that directly result from or relate to having been a trafficking victim.
It defines the offenses eligible to be vacated or expunged and sets forth procedures for filing a motion.
The Government Accountability Office must assess the impact of this process, including the number of human trafficking survivors who file motions to vacate convictions or expunge records.
Under the act, U.S. Attorneys' Offices must report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the number of motions to vacate convictions or expunge arrest records that are filed. Additionally, the DOJ must report to Congress on professional training received by U.S. Attorneys on indicators of human trafficking during the preceding 12-month period.
The act permits certain grants for legal representation to be used to seek post-conviction relief.
Finally, the act allows a defendant to establish, as a defense, that the offenses were committed under duress by demonstrating that he or she was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4323
AN ACT
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
Sponsor: Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC-7) · Introduced Jul 10, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 5 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 23, 2026: “Became Public Law No: 119-73.”