Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is now law after being signed Thursday by President Donald J. Trump.
The legislation allows federal criminal records to be sealed or vacated for survivors of human trafficking who were forced to commit non‑violent offenses as a direct result of their exploitation. Wagner said the goal is to help victims rebuild their lives, noting that criminal records often prevent survivors from accessing housing, jobs, education, and essential support services.
“Traffickers and sexual abusers too often force their victims to commit crimes against their will… Our justice system should be helping victims, not making life harder for them,” Wagner said in a statement, adding that she has worked on this legislation for years with bipartisan support.
The Missouri Republican first introduced the bill in the 114th Congress and continued pushing it forward across multiple sessions, most recently partnering with Congressman Russell Fry of South Carolina.
Supporters of the new law say the federal relief process will help trafficking survivors break long‑standing cycles of abuse and more easily access services needed to rebuild their lives.
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