Gov. McMaster signs human trafficking victim protection bill Into law

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– On Thursday afternoon, Aug. 15, Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill into law expanding the definition of sex trafficking in South Carolina.

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

The law now includes sexual exploitation of a minor as well as promoting or participating in the exploitation of a minor.

Supporters say the inclusion of these crimes under sex trafficking will ensure predators are kept off of the streets.

In South Carolina, anyone convicted of sex trafficking can face up to 25 years in prison.

The criminal offense of child luring applies to adults who lure, entice, or attempt to lure a child with the intent to harm them and this carries a felony penalty of no more than $10,000, a sentence of no more than ten years, or both.

Also, now victims of human trafficking can motion the court to expunge a non-violent offense stemming from trafficking if they were forced to commit the crime by their captor.

Further, the bill adds 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 misdemeanor or class F felony.

“We need to prevent victims from being prosecuted for crimes they committed because they were entangled in the human trafficking ring,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The bill went into effect on July 2. For more on the bill click here.