MN SF1294

Expands safe harbor protections to include 16 and 17 year-old youth involved in prostitution, removing age restrictions that previously limited coverage to children under 16.

Removes criminal liability for sexually exploited youth by excluding them from delinquent child and juvenile petty offender classifications when engaged in prostitution-related conduct.

Redefines "sexually exploited youth" to include individuals engaged in prostitution, victims of sex trafficking crimes, and victims of specific sexual abuse offenses under state and federal law.

Appropriates $300,000 to Ramsey County for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, to develop statewide law enforcement and prosecution protocols, conduct training, and disseminate investigative best practices regarding sex trafficking and exploitation.

Repeals Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 609.093, effective upon final enactment; primary legislative changes effective August 1, 2014.