✅Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.

✅ SB 958: Expanding record relief for trafficking survivors

What it says it does:
SB 958 allows victims of human trafficking or compelled prostitution to seal certain low-level criminal records connected to their exploitation. The goal is to help survivors rebuild their lives without being blocked by criminal histories tied to crimes they were forced to commit.

What it actually changes:
Before this bill, survivors could only seal a few offenses like prostitution or minor marijuana possession. SB 958 expands eligibility to include all misdemeanor drug offenses, criminal trespass, tampering with government records, public intoxication, and Class A misdemeanor theft. The process still requires survivors to petition a judge and prove that the offense was tied to trafficking.

Who is pushing for it:
Support came from bipartisan lawmakers including Sen. Tan Parker and Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Advocacy groups such as Children at Risk, Not On Our Watch Texas, Texas PTA, the Alliance for Safety and Justice, and several district attorneys’ offices testified in support.

Who benefits:
Survivors of trafficking and compelled prostitution gain a path to jobs, housing, and dignity. Families and communities benefit when survivors can work and contribute instead of being defined by old records.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Survivors who lack legal representation may still struggle to access this relief. Judges and prosecutors retain broad discretion, which can lead to uneven outcomes across counties.

Why this matters long term:
This bill builds a fairer justice system by recognizing that victims of coercion should not face lifelong punishment for crimes that were never truly theirs. It shows bipartisan cooperation on a reform that puts people first without weakening accountability.

What to watch next:
Access to legal aid will determine how effective this reform becomes. Tracking data on how many survivors succeed in sealing records could help the Legislature measure its impact in future sessions.

Bottom line:
SB 958 expands second chances for trafficking survivors without undermining public safety or due process. It is one of the few bills this session that delivers real help without hidden costs.

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