Senate passes bill looking to establish minimums for human trafficking crimes
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Senators passed a bill setting mandatory minimum sentences for state human trafficking charges.
House Bill 1361 only affects those found guilty through the district court, not federally. It states sentences for AA felonies would be at least 20 years, A felonies 10 years, and B felonies five years. No parole would be granted for any of these crimes.
“This bill sends the message that North Dakota will not tolerate exploitation or slavery. North Dakota needs to be the state that is tough on human traffickers for the sake of its most vulnerable citizens,” said Sen. Claire Cory, R-Grand Forks.
The House had stricter penalties of 40, 15, and seven years, respectively. Representatives will need to decide whether they support the changes later.
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