Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act
Summary
The "Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act" amends Title 18 of the United States Code, specifically concerning assessments on convicted individuals. It mandates an additional $5,000 assessment on any non-indigent person or entity convicted of offenses related to trafficking. This assessment is in addition to existing assessments.
Expected Effects
The Act will increase the financial penalties for those convicted of trafficking offenses. This additional revenue is presumably intended to support victims of trafficking, though the bill does not explicitly state how the funds will be used.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding potentially available for victim support services.
- Stronger financial deterrent against trafficking offenses.
- Reinforces the government's commitment to combating human trafficking.
- May provide additional resources for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill does not specify how the additional funds will be allocated or managed.
- The financial burden on convicted individuals, even if non-indigent, could create hardship.
- Potential for disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups if trafficking convictions are not evenly distributed.
- The effectiveness of the increased assessment as a deterrent is uncertain.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act 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 crimes under Article I, Section 8. The Eighth Amendment, which prohibits excessive fines, could be relevant if the assessment is deemed disproportionate to the offense, but this is unlikely given the severity of human trafficking.
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).