Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Remove Survivors of Human Trafficking

Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Clear Names of Human Trafficking Survivors

Victims of human trafficking often struggle to overcome the social stigma attached to their criminal records for crimes committed while they were trafficked. But there is new hope on the horizon.

Senate Bill 214 is on its way to the governor's desk. It will allow victims of human trafficking to expunge their non-violent crimes. It targets minor crimes like drug possession and theft, as well as fourth- and fifth-degree felonies.

“This is a big step in the right direction, […] just because you made a mistake in the past, [does not mean you can’t] “We still live full lives, because we all deserve a second chance,” United Returning Citizens housing specialist Carshra Bradley told 21 News.

Sex trafficking victims 21 News spoke with on our 101 West news show, like Jasmine Harrison, who was trafficked to Youngstown, know firsthand the struggles of being charged with crimes she was forced to commit. Harrison was trapped by a system that should have protected her. Thanks to Youngstown’s Grace Court program, she was able to start fresh with a clean record in two years.

Advocates hope the bill will more quickly open doors to a hopeful future like Jasmine's.