LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In an effort to help victims of human trafficking, a Kentucky lawmaker filed a bill that would clear their record of any non-violent crimes occurring as a result of their forced exploitation.

Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, filed, House Bill 431 last month, aimed at making it possible for human-trafficking victims to vacate — not just expunge — their non-violent convictions. For example, the bill would wipe prostitution off of their record.

"It would completely free these people from the stigma that comes with having this associated with with their record," Aull said.

Victims could also have their case sealed to protect their privacy while the courts consider the request to vacate.

"It's important for us to go back and become a national leader and show these people not only that we care about who they are as a person but that we want Kentucky to be welcoming for these victims to rebuild their lives," Aull said. "We really want these folks to be able to have an opportunity to rebuild their life, to have a rewarding life, and I think, in Kentucky, we want to be that place where they can do so."

His legislation does not require the victim to be present for court hearings in any exoneration hearings.

"It does not re-traumatize these victims ..." Aull said. "I think that is the key provision, that those victims do not have to relive some of the worst experiences of their life."

The bill is still in the early stages. It has been assigned to the committee on committees.

"This bill may not be perfect," Aull said. "And so I'm offering this legislation as a starting point, to start a conversation, to see how it can be strengthened. You know, are there things that we are not doing in the commonwealth that other states are doing that we can better help?"

The bill also had two co-sponsors: Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, D-Shively, and Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville.

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