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117-s-3946117th CongressWALLET

Abolish Trafficking Reauthorization Act of 2022

Sponsored By: Senator Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Became Law

Summary

Reauthorizes and expands federal anti‑trafficking programs through 2027 to boost prevention, strengthen survivor services, and sharpen enforcement against labor trafficking and online abuse.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger civil relief for trafficking survivors

The law gives survivors stronger ways to recover money. Victims can sue people who tried or conspired to benefit from trafficking, not just those who did. Debts for injuries from trafficking cannot be wiped out in bankruptcy. Claims for injuries remain even if a trafficker files for bankruptcy.

Anti trafficking programs extended to 2027

The law keeps many anti‑trafficking grants and programs authorized through fiscal year 2027. It also lets trafficking grants include community policing activities, like child‑focused interdiction training. This helps agencies and service providers keep programs running and expand eligible projects.

Stronger federal response to cybercrime

The Attorney General builds a national plan to reduce cybercrimes against people and coordinate investigations. If funded, the FBI adds at least 10 agents and every U.S. Attorney’s Office designates a prosecutor for these cases. The FBI must run regular forensic training for agents. DOJ provides training and materials to states and locals to investigate, prosecute, and help victims. The law also aligns key definitions and broadens “computer” to include networks and interactive devices.

More help for trafficked children

States can get grants to help child welfare agencies find and support child trafficking victims and at‑risk kids. The law authorizes $4 million each year from 2022 through 2027. States must meet set protocols, like reporting identified victims and missing or abducted children to law enforcement within 24 hours. The law also uses the McKinney‑Vento definition of homeless youth, so agencies use the same standard many schools already use.

More agents for labor trafficking

DHS and the FBI must each create a team of at least 10 agents focused on labor trafficking. They must do this within two years of the law. Congress authorizes $2 million per year for each agency for fiscal years 2022–2027, available until spent.

Stronger privacy and trafficking data

The law protects survivor privacy in certain federal trafficking grants, using strong VAWA or Family Violence rules. DOJ‑funded researchers can use identifying data only with strict privacy safeguards and a current privacy certificate. Agencies must collect more detailed trafficking data, like reasons for denied applications and victim details by age and trafficking type, when available. The Office for Victims of Crime sends Congress a yearly report on funding for cybercrime victims. The Attorney General and HHS also send status reports within 280 days of enactment and every two years after.

Sex offender data sharing and passports

DHS may share sex offender registry information about crimes against minors with foreign governments, and may receive similar data, when there is a reciprocal agreement. The law also bars issuing a passport with a unique identifier, or denying reissue, solely because a registrant lives outside the United States. These rules take effect on enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cornyn, John [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 3/29/2022

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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