HB 277 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in human trafficking, further providing for civil causes of action.

HB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2025
House Passage
Jan 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Last action Jan 27, 2025
Floor votes · House Jan 27, 2025

How they voted

260
Passed
Total votes 26
Jan 27, 2025
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
12 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 27, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Jan 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Jan 22, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 41 co-sponsors

Sponsors