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SC H3298

SC H3298
Safe Harbor for Exploited Minors


summary

Introduced
01/08/2019
In Committee
01/08/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
09/24/2020

Introduced Session

123rd General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amend The Code Of Laws Of South Carolina, 1976, By Adding Section 16-3-2110 So As To Enact The "safe Harbor For Exploited Minors Act", To Provide For Protection Of The Identity Of Minor Victims Of Trafficking In Persons And Provide Certain Protections To Minors Charged With Certain Crimes Involving Prostitution And Coerced Involvement In Such Crimes, Among Other Things.

AI Summary

This bill, the "Safe Harbor for Exploited Minors Act," aims to protect the identity of minor victims of human trafficking and provide certain protections for minors charged with prostitution-related crimes in South Carolina. Key provisions include: (1) prohibiting the disclosure of victims' identities and making their records confidential; (2) allowing minors charged with prostitution to raise the defense that they were coerced or threatened, leading to the dismissal of charges; (3) presuming minors engaged in commercial sex acts or sex trafficking were acting under reasonable fear or coercion; (4) requiring the consideration of first-time offenders for pretrial diversion programs; and (5) outlining procedures for law enforcement and service providers to assist minor victims. The bill also specifies that a victim's residence in a shelter is voluntary and cannot be conditioned on their cooperation with law enforcement.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (13)

Last Action

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Johnson (on 03/12/2019)

bill text


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