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Bill

HB 975

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in human trafficking, further providing for definitions and providing for the offense of trafficking in undocumented immigrants.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Barger and 8 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania criminalizes trafficking of undocumented immigrants as distinct offense, explicitly protecting this vulnerable population under human trafficking law.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 975

Legislative bill overview

HB 975 amends Pennsylvania's human trafficking laws by expanding the definition of trafficking-related offenses to specifically include the trafficking of undocumented immigrants. The bill creates a new statutory offense targeting those who exploit undocumented individuals through trafficking schemes, adding this population as an explicitly protected class under Pennsylvania's human trafficking statutes.

Why is this important

Undocumented immigrants are particularly vulnerable to trafficking because their legal status creates barriers to reporting crimes and accessing protection. By explicitly criminalizing trafficking of undocumented persons, the bill aims to close potential legal gaps and send a clear message that this exploitation is illegal regardless of the victim's immigration status. This affects real-world enforcement priorities and victim support availability in Pennsylvania.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: Questions about how "undocumented immigrant" is legally defined in the statute and whether this creates confusion with immigration law versus trafficking law
  • Enforcement concerns: Debate over whether law enforcement will prioritize prosecuting traffickers versus potentially using the law to target immigrants themselves, and whether victims will fear deportation rather than report crimes
  • Scope of existing law: Discussion about whether current trafficking laws already cover undocumented immigrants, making this change procedurally necessary or primarily symbolic

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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