AB: 262 | Human Trafficking: Vacatur relief for victims

This bill would prohibit a court from refusing to hear the petition on the basis of the petitioner’s outstanding fines and fees or the petitioner’s failure to meet the conditions of probation. With the exception of restitution, the bill would require that the collection of fines imposed as a result of a nonviolent offense that is the subject of the petition be stayed while the petition is pending. This bill would also allow the petitioner to appear at all hearings on the petition by counsel if the petition is unopposed. The bill would allow a petition to be made and heard at any time after the person has ceased to be a victim of human trafficking, or at any time after the petitioner has sought services for being a victim of human trafficking. The bill would specify that the right to petition for relief pursuant to these provisions does not expire with the passage of time.