Governor McMaster Signs Bill to Protect Human Trafficking Victims

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill Thursday afternoon, August 15, expanding the definition of sex trafficking in South Carolina.

“Protecting our children and victims of human trafficking is essential to building safe communities and enabling our state to thrive. By doing this, legislationWe not only defend our people, but also equip our prosecutors and law “We must strengthen enforcement with additional tools to ensure criminals are held accountable,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

The law now covers both sexual exploitation of a minor and promoting or participating in the exploitation of a minor.

Advocates argue that including these crimes under sex trafficking keeps predators off the streets.

In South Carolina, someone found guilty of sex trafficking could face up to 25 years in prison.

The offense of child luring applies to adults who lure, entice, or attempt to lure a child with the intent to harm the child. It is punishable by a maximum penalty of $10,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.

Additionally, victims of human trafficking can now petition a judge to have a non-violent offense stemming from human trafficking expunged if they were forced to commit the crime by their captor.

Furthermore, the bill provides that a person under the age of eighteen who is a victim of human trafficking may not be prosecuted for prostitution or any other non-violent offense or Class F misdemeanor.

“We must prevent victims from being prosecuted for crimes they committed because they were caught up in human trafficking,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The bill came into effect on July 2. Click here for more information about the bill.