For victims of human trafficking, the damage can continue long after their circumstances have changed. Among the challenges is the criminal record that can follow them because of crimes committed while they were still being trafficked.

Ohio lawmakers decided to do something about that, and Gov. Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 214 into law. It will allow survivors of human trafficking to expunge certain criminal records.

According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, state Sen. Stephanie Kunze, R-Dublin, introduced Senate Bill 214.

It reads: “Any person who is or was convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony of the fourth or fifth degree may apply to the sentencing court for the expungement of the record of conviction of that offense, the person’s participation in which was a result of the person having been a victim of human trafficking.”

It is important to note this is a chance to apply, not a guaranteed expungement. That is as it should be.

But for many who apply and are granted a clean slate, SB 214 will make an enormous difference. It could mean better housing, a chance at an education, employment … even the chance to pass on lessons learned.

“You can’t work around children or teenagers having such a beautiful background,” Christina LaPointe Jackson told the Capital Journal. “Our past follows us. … Housing is a big no. I don’t think any application I’ve put in has ever passed.”

But now, with SB 214 opening up the possibility she can get a fresh start, Jackson said, “”It means a lot to me as far as my next steps forward, what I can do with my life and where I can go for my career.”

There may be thousands just like her who now have at least that hope. To those in Columbus and across the state who made that happen: Well done, folks.