South Carolina Governor Signs Bill Creating Child Abuse, Other Protections for Trafficking Victims

COLUMBIA, SC (WSAV)—Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill Thursday that makes child luring a crime and strengthens protections for human trafficking victims across South Carolina.

The offense of child luring applies to adults who lure or attempt to lure a child away from home with the intent to harm the child. The crime carries a stiff penalty of up to $10,000, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both, according to the press release from the South Carolina Office of the Governor.

The bill also expands the definition of human trafficking to include the sexual exploitation of minors. The bill adds that a person under 18 who is a victim of human trafficking may not be prosecuted for prostitution or any other nonviolent offense or class F misdemeanor.

“Protecting our children and victims of human trafficking is essential to building safe communities and allowing our state to thrive,” McMaster said. “By introducing this legislation, we are not only defending our people, but we are providing our prosecutors and law enforcement with additional tools to ensure criminals are held accountable.”

Victims of human trafficking can also petition the court to have a non-violent crime resulting from human trafficking expunged if they were forced to commit the crime by their captor.

“We must prevent victims from being prosecuted for crimes they committed because they were caught up in the human trafficking ring,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson. “I am so grateful that we have created a safe haven to protect victims of human trafficking.”

Additionally, the bill establishes an address confidentiality program through the attorney general’s office, allowing victims of domestic violence and others to use a designated address to hide their residence from their abusers.

The Bill also addresses issues relating to kidnapping and murder offences, where there was an existing code that prevented independent conviction for kidnapping if the individual had already been convicted of murder. The amendment ensures that if a murder conviction is quashed, the individual can still be punished for a separate kidnapping offence.

“This bill is an important step forward in protecting the innocent and making it easier for them to come forward,” said Senator Katrina Shealy. “Together, every part of this legislation will work to build a stronger armor for children and victims in South Carolina.”

McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette were joined by Attorney General Wilson, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, and members of the General Assembly for the ceremonial signing of S. 142.