US SB2255

Allows human trafficking victims to petition federal courts to vacate convictions for non-violent federal offenses (level A) committed as a direct result of being trafficked, with the court entering a judgment of acquittal and expunging all arrest and conviction records

Permits expungement of arrest records for both non-violent offenses (level A) and violent offenses (level B), though violent offense expungement requires acquittal, dismissal, or charge reduction; excludes violent crimes where a child was the victim

Creates a duress defense for trafficking victims prosecuted for covered federal offenses, allowing them to demonstrate their victim status at the time of the offense, with related court records sealed until conviction

Requires the Government to respond to vacatur/expungement motions within 30 days, with mandatory hearings if opposed; prohibits filing fees and requires all motion documents to be filed under seal to protect movant confidentiality

Mandates annual reports from U.S. Attorneys on motions filed and a GAO report within 3 years assessing the law's impact, and authorizes DOJ grants to be used for post-conviction legal representation for trafficking survivors