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Senate approves SB30 adding mens rea distinctions and new patronizing offenses in human-trafficking code
Summary
The Utah Senate passed SB30 to refine human-trafficking statutes by adding mens rea distinctions (knowingly vs. recklessly), retaining heavy penalties for knowing conduct, and creating scaled offenses for those who patronize trafficking; vote was 26–0 with three absent. Sponsors said the changes narrow vague language to strengthen prosecutions.
Senators passed Senate Bill 30 on third reading after extended floor debate, adopting changes sponsors said will clarify criminal intent and expand accountability for those who fuel trafficking.
Sponsor Sen. Musselman said SB30 introduces mens rea distinctions so that conduct committed "knowingly" continues to carry the heaviest penalties while "reckless" conduct remains a felony with a lower sentencing range. He argued the current statutory language is sometimes too broad, allowing defense claims of ambiguity to…
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