BISMARCK — People convicted of human trafficking crimes in North Dakota could see mandatory minimum prison sentences after the Senate approved a bill Tuesday, April 1, establishing stricter penalties for the crime.
Human trafficking is an umbrella term used to describe a crime in which a person or group of people manipulate, mentally or physically, another person to provide labor, commercial sex acts or other involuntary services.
"This sends the message that North Dakota will not tolerate exploitation and slavery," Sen. Claire Cory, R-Grand Forks, said while introducing the bill on the Senate floor. "North Dakota needs to be the state that is tough on human traffickers for the sake of its most vulnerable citizens."
There was no further discussion before the chamber voted 45-1 in favor of the bill. Sen. Jonathan Sickler, R-Grand Forks, cast the lone no vote and did not speak on the issue.
Mandatory minimum sentences attach a specific amount of prison time for certain crimes, regardless of individual circumstances.
House Bill 1361 would mandate a 20-year prison sentence for a Class AA felony human trafficking charge, which often includes the violent exploitation of minors. A Class A felony would lead to 10 years, and a Class B felony would lead to five.
The bill applies only to those convicted within the state court system, not cases in the federal courts.
According to the bill's fiscal note, five people have been prosecuted for the crime in North Dakota since 1999.
In its original form, the bill outlined longer mandatory sentences, but it was amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee to align with federal penalties.
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Because the Senate made changes to the legislation, it will go back to the House for consideration. If approved by the House, the bill will proceed to the governor's desk. That House vote has not been scheduled.
To track this bill, readers can download North Dakota Legislative Daily — a free app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
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