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PS 928

Para enmendar los Artículos 6 y 7 de la Ley Num.183-1998, según enmendada, conocida como la "Ley de Compensaci6n y Servicios a las Víctimas y Testigos de Delito", para incluir a las víctimas de trata humana como elegibles para que la Oficina de Compensación y Servicios a las Víctimas y Testigos de Delito pueda concederles compensación por daños ocurridos a causa de ser víctimas de dicho delito; y para que no le aplique a estas víctimas el impedimento para recibir compensación si cometieren delitos durante su condición de víctimas de trata.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill expands victim compensation eligibility to human trafficking survivors and waives disqualification for crimes committed while trafficked.

Ley 121-2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 928

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 928 amends Puerto Rico's 1998 Victim and Witness Compensation Law to explicitly include human trafficking victims as eligible for compensation from the compensation office. The bill also exempts trafficking victims from being disqualified from compensation if they committed crimes while under trafficking conditions.

Why is this important

Human trafficking victims often suffer severe physical, psychological, and economic harm, yet may be excluded from existing victim compensation programs due to crimes they committed under coercion. This amendment recognizes trafficking as a distinct crime warranting dedicated victim support and removes legal barriers that could prevent survivors from accessing state compensation funds for their injuries and losses.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "trafficking victim status": The bill may need clearer criteria for determining when someone qualifies as a trafficking victim versus other crime victims, particularly regarding the timeline and nature of crimes committed during trafficking.
  • Crime eligibility threshold: Debate may arise over whether all crimes committed by trafficking victims should be excused, or whether certain serious crimes should still disqualify victims from compensation.
  • Budget and resource allocation: Expanding the compensation fund to a previously ineligible population requires funding; legislators may dispute whether sufficient resources exist without reducing compensation to other victim categories.

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

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