S2584-119

What This Bill Does

The Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act makes permanent the $5,000 federal special assessment imposed on non-indigent people or entities convicted of specified human trafficking offenses. Current law tied the assessment to a September 30, 2025 sunset; this bill removes that time limit from 18 U.S.C. Section 3014(a).

The assessment feeds the Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund, which supports victim services and anti-trafficking enforcement. The bill does not increase the $5,000 amount or add new offense categories; it keeps the existing assessment from expiring.

Who Benefits and How

Human trafficking victims and survivors benefit from a continuing funding stream for services such as shelter, counseling, legal support, and recovery assistance. Victim-service organizations, anti-trafficking nonprofits, and law enforcement anti-trafficking programs benefit from more stable Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund resources rather than recurring sunset uncertainty.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Non-indigent people and entities convicted of covered federal trafficking offenses must continue paying the $5,000 special assessment in addition to other criminal penalties and assessments. Federal courts must continue assessing and administering the payment at sentencing, and defendants cannot rely on the sunset to avoid the charge after 2025.

Key Provisions

• Amends 18 U.S.C. Section 3014(a) to remove the September 30, 2025 sunset language.
• Makes the $5,000 special assessment permanent for non-indigent convicted trafficking offenders.
• Preserves the assessment's connection to the Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund.
• Maintains the existing offense scope rather than creating a new trafficking penalty.
• Requires courts to continue imposing the assessment when covered defendants are convicted.