More about Virginia's human trafficking laws

In Virginia, there are several human trafficking laws already in place. During the 2026 regular legislative session, there were also new laws passed to further support survivors and raise awareness around the issue. Some of those include: Senate Bill 95 adds information about human trafficking and how to self-identify signs of human trafficking to the required posted notice by the Department of Transportation at all rest areas along any interstate highway. House Bill 191 notes "that no minor shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for a qualifying offense, defined in relevant law, if at the time of the offense leading to such charge, such minor was a victim of sex trafficking, defined in relevant law." Senate Bill 748/House Bill 1298 expands the current issuance of writs of vacatur process for human trafficking victims to include ancillary matters defined in the bill and "any charge or arrest related to a qualifying offense" described in current law. Other bills failed, including those that would require short-term rental operators and employees to undergo human trafficking awareness training (House Bill 600/Senate Bill 182) and create a process for human trafficking digital identification and reporting platforms (House Bill 927). During the 2025 session, House Bill 2033 directed the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop an online course for the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to offer human trafficking awareness and reporting training to its licensees. The Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking also provides information about current legislation related to human trafficking. To view that information, go to https://vcaht.org/crr/. Law information The Virginia Office of the Attorney General and Virginia State Police have human trafficking law webpages that list specific sections from the Code of Virginia. One code section mentions that Virginia law enforcement personnel are required to establish training standards, as well as publish/periodically update model policies related to the recognition, prevention and reporting of human trafficking. (9.1-102) Another law states hotel proprietors and employees are required to be trained to recognize and report instances of suspected human trafficking (35.1-15.1) To view the full extent of these laws and related definitions, go to https://vsp.virginia.gov/virginias-human-trafficking-laws/.