HR 520119th CongressIn Committee

Empowering Law Enforcement To Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act of 2025

Introduced: Jan 16, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to broaden the permissible uses of Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds. Specifically, it adds a new authorized purpose: funding programs that combat human trafficking, including efforts to reduce the demand for trafficked persons. In practical terms, states, local governments, and tribal units that receive Byrne JAG funds would be able to spend a portion of those funds on anti-trafficking initiatives—covering enforcement, prevention, victim services, training, and related activities aimed at reducing demand. The short title signals a focus on empowering law enforcement to fight sex trafficking by targeting demand as part of a comprehensive response.

Key Points

1Adds a new permissible use to Byrne JAG funds: “Programs to combat human trafficking (including programs to reduce the demand for trafficked persons).”
2Expands the scope of Byrne JAG funding to explicitly include anti-human trafficking efforts, integrating demand-reduction strategies.
3The change is framed as an amendment to the general authorized uses under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (Section 501(a)(1)).
4The bill’s title emphasizes strengthening law enforcement capacity to address sex trafficking demand.
5Introduced in the 119th Congress (H.R. 520), sponsored by a coalition of members, and referred to the Judiciary Committee; no enacted provisions or funding amounts are specified beyond the authorization change.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: State, local, and tribal governments and law enforcement agencies that receive Byrne JAG funds; trafficking victims and those affected by sex trafficking in communities.Secondary group/area affected: Prosecutors, victim service providers, non-profit organizations, and community groups involved in anti-trafficking work and prevention efforts.Additional impacts: Could influence how jurisdictions plan, allocate, and report Byrne JAG expenditures; may affect interagency collaboration, training, and public awareness campaigns; implementation will depend on existing Byrne JAG guidelines and any future regulations or reporting requirements.

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