Legislative Memo: Clearing Convictions for Formerly Trafficked Persons

Millions of people all over the world, including in the United States, are subject to human trafficking: the unlawful, commercial trade in forced labor and compelled sex trading.

S.4981-B/A.6983-B, known as the START Act, represents an important step toward remedying some of the institutional harm wrought upon trafficked persons. It provides that courts may vacate, in the interest of justice, any criminal conviction resulting from a person’s experience as a victim of human trafficking, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, or forced sex trading. It will also make confidential the records related to that process, as well as any evidence presented in support.

The NYCLU supports this legislation and urges lawmakers to pass it promptly.