Human Trafficking Victims Could Clear Crime Record

SACRAMENTO (AP) — The state Assembly has approved legislation that would allow courts to expunge prostitution convictions when people are found to be victims of human trafficking.

AB1585 by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, a Democrat from Watsonville, allows defendants who are convicted of soliciting prostitution to petition to clear their record if they have evidence they were victims of human trafficking. It is sponsored by Attorney General Kamala Harris.

The Department of Justice maintains a summary of criminal histories that is available to prospective employers. The summaries also can be reviewed when people apply for a license, a certification or to adopt a child.

Alejo says many human trafficking victims "are commonly and wrongly convicted for solicitation of prostitution."

The Assembly passed AB1585 on a 73-0 vote Wednesday, sending it to the Senate.