Rep. Galonski testifies on bill to enable survivors of human trafficking to seek justice

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today gave sponsor testimony before the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee on House Bill (HB) 319, the Expanding Human Trafficking Justice Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to expand the law that allows victims of human trafficking to obtain expungement of certain offenses that occurred as a result of being a victim of human trafficking.

“The Expanding Human Trafficking Justice Act will enable survivors of human trafficking to seek justice for circumstances that were beyond their control,” said Galonski. “This legislation will give trafficking survivors the second chance they deserve, opening doors to employment, housing, family reunification, and community reintegration.”

This legislation would: 

Allow any survivor of human trafficking to apply for the expungement of any offense except aggravated murder, murder, or rape, that occurred as a result of being trafficked;

Broaden the scope of the existing law that determines who can apply for expungement to include anyone who is a survivor of human trafficking.

HB 319 now awaits further hearings in the House Criminal Justice Committee.