Approved by Gov. Newsom, CA AB 262 Becomes Law in 2022
Washington, DC (October 6, 2021) – The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) says that California bill AB 262 will provide one of the “best forms of exit services” for victims of human trafficking once it goes into law in January 2022.
This bill expands vacatur relief for trafficking victims, including those who were prostituted. It does this by removing time limits on when they can seek relief, removing requirements of proving their status with clear and convincing evidence, and not using unpaid fees or failed probation conditions against the party seeking relief. The relief is for nonviolent offenses, including but not limited to prostitution, committed as a result of the person being trafficked.
“Vacatur is one of the best forms of exit services for a victim of human trafficking, and we are grateful to the California legislature and to Governor Newsom for their support. Moreover, this bill will be truly empowering to survivors, allowing them to pursue educational opportunities, licensing and careers otherwise barred to record-holders. This allows survivors to access quality economic sustainability and stability in their lives,” said Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
“This bill makes it possible for many more victims to seek relief. It makes the process less onerous, grants the relief more quickly, and vacates the record completely. We need solutions like this for survivors to reclaim their lives and to thrive.”
