NW Franklin News

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate has approved Senate Bill 214, sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin), aiming to offer a fresh start for survivors of human trafficking. The bill focuses on allowing survivors to expunge certain criminal records, providing them with opportunities for a better future.

Under the provisions of Senate Bill 214, survivors of human trafficking will be eligible to apply for record expungement if they have been convicted of specific offenses and can demonstrate that these convictions are a direct result of being victims of human trafficking. Senator Kunze highlighted the challenges faced by survivors, stating, "Traffickers often make their victims commit crimes such as theft, shoplifting, and sometimes drug trafficking. It continues to be a goal of mine to provide hope and opportunity to survivors."

This new legislation builds upon the groundwork laid by Senate Bill 4, also sponsored by Senator Kunze in the past, which allows for the expungement of certain convictions like soliciting, loitering, and prostitution if survivors were coerced into committing these crimes while being trafficked.

Senator Kunze emphasized the positive impact of the bill, stating, “This bill will open doors to employment, safe stable housing, family reunification, and successful, healthy community integration. This legislation is crucial to the life and well-being of survivors and the fight against human trafficking.”

Senate Bill 214 has now advanced to the Ohio House for further consideration. In the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and support survivors, individuals with information about potential trafficking situations are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 or text INFO or HELP to BeFree (233733).