Put Trafficking Victims First Act of 2023

HR 528, the Put Trafficking Victims First Act of 2023, directs existing federal funds to improve how law enforcement and service providers handle human trafficking cases. It requires training to ensure officers identify victims before arrest, promotes trauma-informed victim services, and encourages states to adopt victim-centered policies like avoiding criminalization of child victims and providing comprehensive support (housing, mental health, legal aid). The bill also mandates a working group to develop better data collection methods on trafficking prevalence and requires reports on restitution efforts for victims. These provisions directly affect trafficking victims (including U.S. citizens and foreign nationals), law enforcement, prosecutors, and state service providers, all using existing resources without new funding.