Regent’s Center for Global Justice Celebrates Passage of Landmark Virginia Vacatur Law for Survivors of Human Trafficking
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Apr. 14, 2025) – In a major step forward for justice reform in the Commonwealth, the Virginia General Assembly has unanimously passed a groundbreaking vacatur law benefiting survivors of human trafficking. The legislation—championed in part by the Center for Global Justice at Regent University School of Law—marks a significant victory for survivors and advocates across the commonwealth.
Senate Bill 1460 and its companion House Bill 2393 expand vacatur eligibility from only two misdemeanor convictions to now include felony drug possession charges and misdemeanors under 32 separate code sections. This expansion allows trafficking survivors greater access to criminal record relief for offenses they were compelled to commit while under exploitation.
The Center for Global Justice, through its Human Trafficking Clinic, played a leading role in both the legal strategy and coalition-building behind the legislation. For the past year, the Center’s Director, Meg Kelsey, co-chaired the Criminal Record Relief Working Group that drafted the bill. The working group included representatives from the Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking (VCAHT), Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys (VACA), Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC), the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement, survivor-led organizations, and advocates from across the political spectrum.
“This is a deeply personal victory—for the survivors who shared their stories, for the students who poured their hearts into the process, and for everyone who believes the law should recognize both justice and mercy,” said Meg Kelsey. “This law acknowledges the reality that trafficking survivors should not be defined by the crimes they were forced to commit.”
Regent Law students were active contributors throughout the legislative process, assisting with legal research, drafting, and advocacy efforts at the Virginia State Capitol. The Human Trafficking Clinic has already begun preparing new petitions and will begin filing them this summer. Survivors seeking assistance can now submit referrals through the Center’s website.
O’livia Reposa, a survivor leader and co-chair of the legislative working group, noted the significance of this step while calling for continued progress:
“I’m deeply grateful for this powerful step forward in justice for survivors. For so long, so many of us have carried the weight of criminal records tied to the darkest moments of our exploitation. I remember what it felt like to be denied opportunities—not because of who I am, but because of what I survived. This change brings real hope. It’s a chance to breathe, to move forward, and to rebuild without shame or barriers. I’m honored to have co-chaired the working group that helped shape this legislation. Our voices were heard—and that means the world. There’s still more to fight for, but today, I feel hope, and I feel seen.”
Kristina Lauren, president and director of the Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking (VCAHT), echoed that sentiment:
“This is a critical win for trafficking survivors. It shows what’s possible when survivors, advocates, and legal professionals work together as one community.”
“I want to especially thank those survivors who knew they would not receive the vacatur they need in this round but helped us anyway,” Lauren continued. “You are such an inspiration, and we vow to keep fighting until everyone has the opportunities they deserve to live a life free from their trauma.”
The new law comes nearly two years after the first successful vacatur petition in Virginia, filed by the Center for Global Justice on behalf of survivor advocate O’livia Reposa. Since that time, the Center has continued to advance its mission of equipping the next generation of Christian leaders to promote justice and protect the vulnerable—both in Virginia and around the world.
The new law goes into effect July 1, 2025. A ceremonial bill signing with the governor is anticipated in the coming weeks.
To read more visit www.regent.edu/globaljustice.
About Regent Law
More than 3,800 Regent Law graduates practice law in all 50 states and over 20 countries, including 38 currently sitting judges. The School of Law ranked 16th nationwide for first-time bar passage in 2023. It offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in three-year and part-time formats, an online M.A. in Law, an online M.A. in Financial Planning & Law, an on-campus and online LL.M. in Human Rights, an on-campus and online LL.M. in American Legal Studies, and an online B.A. in Law.
About Regent University
Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 13,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online around the world. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University has been ranked the #1 Best Accredited Online College in the United States (Study.com, 2020), the #1 Safest College Campus in Virginia (YourLocalSecurity, 2021), and the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 13 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).
To support the Royals Rise capital campaign for campus expansion, visit www.regent.edu/royalsrise.
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