BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – A recent report gave South Dakota a “D” grade when it comes to fighting the sex trafficking of minors. It was one of only two states to grade that low.

South Dakota is one of the few states that saw its grade fall, primarily because of legislation that sent any minor involved in a commercial sex act through the criminal justice system.

State Representative Tim Reed of Brookings was prime sponsor of this year’s sex trafficking bill, a measure that he says helps victims.

Reed says that moves them into the court system.

He says it gives minors at least some protection and treatment instead of just releasing them unsupervised.

Those behind the report, Shared Hope International, believe such minors should never be placed in the criminal justice system.

Scores went up overall nationwide.