Last progress April 9, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on April 9, 2025 by Christopher Henry Smith
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill renews the national anti-trafficking law and strengthens prevention in schools. It steers grant money first to school districts in areas with high levels of child labor or sex trafficking, and to districts that team up with nonprofits, law enforcement, and tech or social media companies. Training must be evidence-based, age-appropriate, and trauma-informed, and use a “train-the-trainer” model so schools can keep the work going. Programs should also address online risks like grooming and child sexual abuse materials. The government must publish a report starting 540 days after the law takes effect, and every year after, showing how many people were trained, how many potential victims were identified, and where service gaps remain .
It also allows a new Survivors Employment and Education Program at Health and Human Services. Survivors can get help with basic education, job training, high school completion, life skills, resumes and interviews, clearing certain nonviolent records tied to their trafficking, credit repair, college enrollment and scholarships, professional coaching, case management, and help getting funds for mental health care. Services can last up to five years .
The bill sets aside $30,755,000 each year from 2025 through 2029, including $5,000,000 a year for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and for cybersecurity and public education campaigns. It also provides $35,000,000 a year for housing help for trafficking victims and extends related protections under International Megan’s Law through 2029.