Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers Act of 2025; TRAFFIC Act of 2025
Summary
The Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers Act of 2025, also known as the TRAFFIC Act of 2025, aims to prevent individuals convicted of human trafficking from obtaining specific licenses and certifications related to transportation. This bill amends titles 46 and 49 of the United States Code to mandate permanent disqualification for those with human trafficking convictions. The disqualifications apply to merchant seamen licenses, locomotive operator certifications, train conductor certifications, commercial driver's licenses, and pilot certificates.
The bill extends these restrictions to other licenses and authorizations issued by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security related to transportation operation. It ensures that individuals convicted of human trafficking at the federal, state, local, or tribal level are barred from holding positions that could facilitate such crimes.
The bill is sponsored by Senators Blackburn and Cortez Masto, indicating bipartisan support for combating human trafficking within the transportation sector.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to create a permanent barrier preventing convicted human traffickers from obtaining or holding licenses and certifications necessary for operating various forms of transportation. This will reduce the likelihood of transportation infrastructure being used to facilitate human trafficking.
This will likely require the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation to establish procedures for verifying an applicant's criminal history related to human trafficking. It may also lead to increased scrutiny of individuals applying for or renewing transportation-related licenses.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Human Trafficking: By restricting licenses, the bill aims to prevent the use of transportation for human trafficking.
- Enhanced Public Safety: Ensures individuals in control of transportation are not convicted traffickers.
- Strengthened Law Enforcement: Provides law enforcement with a tool to prevent traffickers from operating legally in transportation.
- Increased Accountability: Holds individuals accountable for human trafficking offenses by limiting their future employment options in transportation.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill has bipartisan support, increasing its likelihood of passage and effective implementation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for False Positives: There is a risk of misidentification or inaccurate criminal records leading to wrongful disqualifications.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing and enforcing these restrictions may create additional administrative burdens for the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses on transportation-related licenses, potentially overlooking other avenues for human trafficking.
- Possible Legal Challenges: The permanent disqualification may face legal challenges based on due process or equal protection grounds.
- Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring consistent enforcement across all states, localities, and tribal lands could be difficult.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating interstate transportation to prevent illegal activities like human trafficking. It also aligns with the Thirteenth Amendment, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, by aiming to combat human trafficking.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech or assembly (First Amendment). However, due process concerns (Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments) could arise if the disqualification process lacks sufficient safeguards against errors or inaccuracies in criminal records.
Overall, the bill's objectives are consistent with the Constitution's goals of ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare.
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).