With dozens of bills filed to enhance criminal penalties, lawmakers should consider many key factors involving justice, deterrence, and prioritization of resources that are outlined in this checklist before deciding to increase criminal penalties.
Criminal Justice
A Major Win for Trafficking Survivors and a Chance to Do More
The recent signing of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) into law by President Donald Trump marks a historic victory for justice and a significant step forward in our national approach to rehabilitation. For too long, survivors of human trafficking have been trapped in a cruel legal paradox: forced or coerced by their exploiters to commit non-violent...
February 3, 2026