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HB 2258

An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, providing for trauma-informed screening for human trafficking victimization.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 15 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill requiring trauma-informed human trafficking victim screening for juveniles in the court system to identify and support exploited youth.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2258

Legislative bill overview

HB 2258 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to require trauma-informed screening procedures to identify youth who may be victims of human trafficking. The bill establishes standardized assessment protocols within the judicial system to better recognize and respond to trafficking victimization among minors involved in the justice system.

Why is this important

Human trafficking victims, especially minors, often enter the criminal justice system as defendants rather than recognized victims, potentially facing prosecution for trafficking-related offenses they committed under coercion. Implementing trauma-informed screening can redirect vulnerable youth toward victim services and appropriate interventions rather than punitive measures, improving outcomes and addressing root causes of criminal behavior.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and resource requirements: Courts and juvenile facilities may require funding for staff training, screening tools, and victim support services, raising questions about budget allocation
  • Screening accuracy and potential overreach: Determining who qualifies as a trafficking victim requires careful definitions; overly broad screening could misallocate resources, while narrow criteria might miss genuine victims
  • Coordination with other agencies: Success depends on effective collaboration between courts, law enforcement, child protective services, and social services, requiring clear protocols and potential jurisdictional conflicts

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

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