HB1217

This bill strengthens South Dakota's human trafficking laws by making it easier to prosecute trafficking cases involving minors—prosecutors no longer need to prove that force, fraud, or coercion was used when the victim is under 18. The bill also expands the definition of "coercion" to include threatening someone with physical restraint, isolation, or confinement; forcing them to provide sex acts as payment for a debt; and exploiting someone's physical or mental impairment.