This bill introduces a new section to chapter 12.1-41 of the North Dakota Century Code, establishing mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of human trafficking offenses. The legislation specifies that offenders will face mandatory terms of imprisonment without the possibility of parole, with the length of the sentence determined by the classification of the felony. Specifically, a class AA felony will incur a minimum sentence of twenty years, a class A felony will result in a minimum of ten years, and a class B felony will carry a minimum of five years' imprisonment.
The intent of this bill is to strengthen the legal framework surrounding human trafficking in North Dakota by ensuring that offenders receive significant prison time, thereby enhancing public safety and deterring future violations. The mandatory sentencing provisions aim to reflect the severity of human trafficking crimes and provide a clear guideline for the judicial system in handling such cases.