(KAIR)--A bill aimed at helping survivors of human trafficking has been signed into law, and a Kansas lawmaker is highlighting its impact.

According to a news release from the office of U.S. Senator Derek Schmidt, the Kansas Republican says the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act strengthens protections for people who were forced into non-violent crimes as a result of being trafficked.

Schmidt is a cosponsor of the legislation, which creates new legal options for survivors whose charges or convictions stemmed directly from their exploitation. The law allows courts to consider vacating certain convictions, expunging arrest records, and applying sentencing mitigation when appropriate.

Under the measure, survivors must demonstrate that an offense was committed as a direct result of trafficking. Relief is limited to non-violent crimes and does not apply to offenses involving a child victim.

Schmidt’s office says the bill builds on anti-human-trafficking efforts he advanced while serving as Kansas attorney general, and reflects a continued focus on treating survivors with fairness, dignity, and compassion.