Record Expungement

In 2022, Sen. Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) and Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson) carried a bill put forward by Thistle Farms, which would allow survivors of human trafficking and prostitution expunge nonviolent offenses from their criminal records, regardless of whether or not they have a prostitution conviction as long as those nonviolent offenses were a result of the individual's status as a trafficking and prostitution survivor. This allows survivors to not have background checks hold them back from employment and housing opportunities as they otherwise would. The bill passed both chambers unanimously.

Caption of Bill

SB2303/ HB2234: Criminal Procedure - As enacted, removes a conviction for prostitution as a requirement for a person to be eligible for expunction of multiple, nonviolent convictions for offenses that resulted from the person's status as a victim of human trafficking. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40.