One piece of legislation intended to combat sex trafficking in South Dakota cleared its first legislative hurdle in Pierre. Senate Bill 25 allows law enforcement to confiscate money and property used in sex trafficking and child pornography cases. Attorney General Marty Jackley is backing the legislation. He says it's similar to the system used in drug enforcement.
“If an arrest is made we would seize certain property. Of course depending upon the property we would have 60 days upon which to file complaints and everything, the process summons. But, we not be able to take the property until there is a conviction,” says Jackley.
The bill easily passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. No one spoke against the measure. Some voiced concerns that any funds and property seized must have proper oversight to avoid mishandling. Republican Craig Tiezen is the Committee Chair, and a former Rapid City police chief. He cast the sole dissenting vote. Tiezen did not speak on the measure in committee.