To strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors

The bill aims to support survivors of the sex trade by redefining legal terms and amending laws related to prostitution and human trafficking. It sets a new definition for 'prostituted person' and changes legal procedures to facilitate the expungement of criminal records for those involved in prostitution due to trafficking. The bill also revises how funds from certain criminal penalties are distributed, directing more resources to victim support services. Additionally, it establishes a special commission to review and recommend improvements in support services and prevention efforts related to prostitution.

MA H1683 is a house bill in the Massachusetts 194th General Court, sponsored by Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D), currently “Introduced” since February 27, 2025.

We track 6,558 Massachusetts bills this session, 16 of them sponsored by Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

Supporters of the bill will likely highlight its compassionate approach to handling sex trade survivors by recognizing their victimization and offering them a path to clear their records. The bill is seen as progressive and victim-centered, reallocating resources to provide robust support services. It also demonstrates a commitment to systemic change with a commission designed to continuously improve responses and support networks for those affected by human trafficking.

Critics might argue that the bill does not tackle the root causes of prostitution and human trafficking, such as poverty and lack of education. There may be concerns that the measures do not go far enough in punishing traffickers or addressing demand. Some could view the bill as potentially enabling criminal behavior by focusing on expunging records, rather than providing preventive solutions or harsher penalties for traffickers.