S 1054 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to provide compensation for loss of income for victims of forced labor and sexual servitude

This bill creates a new compensation program specifically for victims of forced labor and sexual servitude in Massachusetts, allowing them to receive up to $25,000 for lost income. To make the process more accessible, the law removes the requirement for victims to provide official employment documentation and permits the use of other reliable evidence, such as sworn statements, to verify their claims. The funds are designed to be treated as noncountable income and assets, ensuring that receiving this compensation does not disqualify victims from other essential government assistance programs. Additionally, the bill expands the existing victim compensation system to include payments for job retraining and allows for compensation to be paid on behalf of parents or guardians of minor victims who were hospitalized or died as a result of the crime.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 8, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors