Bill > S1801

Introduced Session

This bill would impose mandatory fines on persons who violate paragraphs (1) and (8) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:34-1 (engaging in prostitution as a patron, and engaging in prostitution by personally offering sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value, respectively) within 500 feet of a school, day care facility or child care facility. Further, the bill would require a person who is convicted under these paragraphs of engaging in prostitution to participate in a new "Prostitution Offender Education Program." Under N.J.S.2C:34-1, violations of the prostitution laws range from disorderly persons offenses to crimes of the second degree, depending on the activity. For example, engaging in prostitution is a disorderly persons offense, with a second or subsequent offense constituting a crime of the fourth degree; promoting prostitution by owning or controlling a house of prostitution or a prostitution business is a crime of the third degree; and knowingly promoting the prostitution of a child under the age of 18 is a crime of the second degree. Under this bill, a person who violates paragraphs (1) and (8) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:34-1 while on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 500 feet of such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, or property used as a registered family day care provider or as a licensed child care provider would be assessed a penalty of $250 for the first offense; $500 for the second offense; $1,000 for the third offense; and $2,000 for the fourth or subsequent offense. This money would be forwarded to the Department of the Treasury to be deposited in the "Prostitution Offender Education Program Fund," created by this bill. The monies in the fund would be dedicated to the development, establishment, operation and maintenance of the "Prostitution Offender Education Program." This program would be administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts. These penalties are in addition to any current fines, fees, assessments or penalties already imposed.

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Angela Mcknight (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document