Create minimum sentences for sex trafficking crimes

 

Currently, there are little to no guidelines within the state of Minnesota surrounding minimum sentencing on sex

trafficking violations. There are, however, strict guidelines on maximum sentencing. This bill proposes strict minimum

sentencing in accordance with related Minnesota laws and maximum sentencing relating to sex trafficking violations.

These are the proposed minimum sentences:

-First degree sex trafficking minimum sentence

5 years jail time and a fine of $10,000

-Second degree sex trafficking minimum sentence

4 years of jail time and a $8,000 fine

Additional punishments:

-Court mandated therapy during jail time for convicts/sex offenders

-15% of fines paid are to be classified as restitutions, so victims get a small portion of money to cover miscellaneous

costs

 

Sex trafficking is an extreme problem in Minnesota. The I-35 highway that stretches into Texas, the many international

ports stretched throughout the state, and the handful of international airports give sex traffickers easy routes to

kidnap and exploit people. Additionally, sentencing guidelines are still in the process of development. Minnesota has

set clear (but low) guidelines for maximum sentencing, along with clear definitions of what first and second degree sex

trafficking is. However, there are no clear, distinct guidelines for minimum sentencing, allowing perpetrators to walk

off with little to no jail time while victims are racked with life long physical and mental trauma.

 

First degree sex trafficking:

1) solicits or induces an individual under the age of 18 years to practice prostitution;

(2) promotes the prostitution of an individual under the age of 18 years;

(3) receives profit, knowing or having reason to know that it is derived from the prostitution, or the promotion of the

prostitution, of an individual under the age of 18 years; or

(4) engages in the sex trafficking of an individual under the age of 18 years.

Second degree sex trafficking:

(1) solicits or induces an individual to practice prostitution;

(2) promotes the prostitution of an individual;

(3) receives profit, knowing or having reason to know that it is derived from the prostitution, or the promotion of the

prostitution, of an individual; or

(4) engages in the sex trafficking of an individual.

Restitutions:

A court ordered payment from an offender to a victim to make up for a loss (either emotional or physical) financially

Sex trafficking:

"Sex trafficking" means:

(1) receiving, recruiting, enticing, harboring, providing, or obtaining by any means an individual to aid in the

prostitution of the individual; or

(2) receiving profit or anything of value, knowing or having reason to know it is derived from an act described in

clause (1).

Sex trafficking victim:

"Sex trafficking victim" means a person subjected to the practices listed above in the definition of sex trafficking.

Patron:

"Patron" means an individual who engages in prostitution by hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire another

individual to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact.

Prostitution:

"Prostitution" means hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire another individual to engage in sexual penetration or

sexual contact, or being hired, offering to be hired, or agreeing to be hired by another individual to engage in sexual

penetration or sexual contact

 

 

No funding necessary for this bill.

 

Judges found in violation of not imposing minimum sentences will undergo investigations and risk losing their ability to

practice

 

January 11th, 2027 (Global Sex Trafficking awareness day)