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SB 958

Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sam Harless and 3 co-sponsors

Texas law now allows trafficking and compelled prostitution victims to seal criminal records from offenses committed under coercion, removing employment and housing barriers upon court approval.

Effective on 9/1/25
#crimevictims(s0046) #criminalrecords(s0008) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #humantrafficking(s0696) #prostitution(s0016)
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Bill Summary · SB 958

Legislative bill overview

SB 958 expands eligibility for nondisclosure orders in Texas to include victims of human trafficking and compelled prostitution. This allows certain victims to petition courts to seal their criminal history records related to offenses committed while being trafficked or coerced into prostitution, effective September 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Victims of trafficking often have criminal records for prostitution or drug-related offenses committed under duress, which create barriers to employment, housing, and social reintegration. This bill recognizes that these individuals are victims rather than criminals, removing a significant collateral consequence that perpetuates vulnerability and poverty cycles that traffickers exploit.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim verification standards: Questions about how courts will determine whether someone was genuinely trafficked versus engaging in illegal activity, potentially creating inconsistent application across counties
  • Public safety concerns: Arguments that sealing records of individuals convicted while trafficked could limit law enforcement access to relevant background information for investigations
  • Scope limitations: Debate over whether the bill goes far enough in addressing all collateral consequences trafficking victims face, or whether broader record expungement would be more appropriate

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

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