Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act
Summary
The "Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act" (S. 2584) aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code by removing the sunset date on additional special assessments for individuals or entities convicted of trafficking-related offenses. Currently, these assessments are set to expire on September 30, 2025. The bill seeks to make these assessments permanent.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would ensure a continuous stream of funding derived from convicted traffickers. This funding is intended to support victims of trafficking. The removal of the sunset clause would provide long-term financial resources for victim support services.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a consistent funding source for victim support services.
- Increases financial penalties for those convicted of trafficking offenses.
- Potentially deters future trafficking offenses through increased penalties.
- Offers long-term stability for organizations relying on these funds.
- Reinforces the government's commitment to combating human trafficking.
Potential Disadvantages
- May disproportionately affect non-indigent individuals convicted of trafficking, potentially leading to financial hardship.
- Could lead to challenges in collecting assessments, especially if offenders lack resources.
- The funds collected may not be efficiently distributed to victim support services.
- The assessment amount may not be adjusted for inflation, reducing its real value over time.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the definition of 'non-indigent' is not clearly defined.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of establishing justice and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to enact laws and set penalties for federal crimes, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The Eighth Amendment, which prohibits excessive fines, could be relevant if the assessments are deemed disproportionate to the offense.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).