This bill requires South Dakota courts to consider a defendant's history of being abused—whether physical, sexual, or psychological—as a reason to reduce their sentence. Defendants must provide court documents, medical records, social services files, or witness statements proving they were victims of abuse at the time they committed the crime.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Judiciary Tabled Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0. H.J. 20
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 178
Prime sponsor · Rep.
D
Judiciary — Tabled