This bill strengthens South Dakota's human trafficking law by expanding the definition of "coercion" to include psychological tactics (like threats of violence or isolation), debt bondage, and exploitation of people with cognitive or mental impairments. The law also clarifies that human trafficking of anyone under 18 years old does not require proof of force, fraud, or coercion—the crime occurs simply by recruiting, transporting, or obtaining a minor for sexual activity or forced labor.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 435
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 358
Signed by the President S.J. 316
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 340
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 259
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 175
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 65, NAYS 0. H.J. 231
House of Representatives Deferred to another day H.J. 220
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 27
First Reading House H.J. 11
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass