South Carolina Signed Human Trafficking Reform Bill
The new law increases penalties for traffickers while shielding minors from prostitution charges.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Governor Henry McMaster signed legislation that stiffens penalties for those who coerce individuals into commercial sex. The law also prohibits charging minors under 18 with prostitution.
Why it matters
The measure aims to shift the legal focus from punishing victims to targeting traffickers and buyers. It provides pathways for adult offenders to clear their records through specialized programs.
A third conviction for recruiting individuals into commercial sex is now a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. First-time adult offenders may now clear charges by completing court-mandated programs.
The players
Henry McMaster
He is the Governor of South Carolina who signed the human trafficking legislation into law.
Jeff Johnson
He is a state Representative who worked with local sheriff officials to address trafficking trends.
Horry County Sheriff’s Office
This law enforcement agency in South Carolina provided input for the legislation after reporting high volumes of trafficking tips.
The details
The law replaces previous statutes that treated the recruitment and coercion of others for commercial sex as misdemeanors. Officials from the Horry County Sheriff’s Office consulted on the bill after identifying local trends in trafficking reports.
Timeline
The South Carolina legislature passed the human trafficking bill in May 2026.
Governor Henry McMaster signed the new legislation into law on September 23, 2026.
Legal Context
The legislation complements existing digital reporting tools like the Coastal Region Human Trafficking Task Force app by providing a stricter legal framework for the tips received. It reflects a state-wide trend of updating statutes to better align with contemporary law enforcement strategies.
Residents in areas like Horry County may see changes in how local law enforcement prioritizes and processes trafficking tips. The shift in classification for minor prostitution charges provides a new legal safeguard for youth within the state.
The takeaway
This law fundamentally changes the judicial approach to sex crimes by distinguishing between victims and repeat offenders. It encourages the use of specialized intervention programs to rehabilitate first-time adult offenders.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBTW News 13.
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Should your state prioritize rehabilitation over criminal punishment for first-time prostitution offenses?
