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Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act

7/16/2024, 8:05 AM

Summary of Bill S 159

Bill 118 s 159, also known as the Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide tax relief to survivors of human trafficking.

If passed, this bill would allow survivors of human trafficking to exclude any restitution or civil damages they receive as a result of their trafficking experience from their gross income for tax purposes. This means that survivors would not have to pay taxes on any money they receive as compensation for the harm they have suffered.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that survivors are not penalized for receiving this tax relief. For example, it prohibits the IRS from using the exclusion of restitution or civil damages from gross income as a reason to deny or reduce any other benefits or assistance that survivors may be eligible for. Overall, the Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act aims to provide much-needed financial support to survivors of human trafficking and to ensure that they are not burdened by unnecessary taxes on the compensation they receive. It is an important step towards recognizing and supporting the needs of survivors of this heinous crime.

Congressional Summary of S 159

Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act 

This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any civil damages, restitution, or other monetary award (including compensatory or statutory damages and restitution imposed in a criminal matter) awarded pursuant to an order of mandatory restitution or in a criminal proceeding for peonage, slavery, or human trafficking. 

Current Status of Bill S 159

Bill S 159 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since July 11, 2024. Bill S 159 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on January 31, 2023.  Bill S 159's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of July 15, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 159

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
8
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 159

Primary Policy Focus

Taxation

Potential Impact Areas

- Civil actions and liability
- Crime victims
- Criminal procedure and sentencing
- Human trafficking
- Income tax exclusion

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 159

Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act
Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an exemption from gross income for mandatory restitution or civil damages as recompense for trafficking in persons.
Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act

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