Bill > HB0022

This bill reorganizes and amends Utah's laws related to prostitution offenses, creating a new chapter in the criminal code specifically focused on prostitution. The bill introduces several key changes: First, it redefines and creates more specific offenses related to prostitution, including separate provisions for engaging in prostitution, patronizing a prostituted individual (with different penalties for adult and child victims), sexual solicitation, and exploitation of prostitution. Second, it establishes graduated penalties based on the severity of the offense and whether it involves a child, with more serious consequences for offenses involving minors. Third, the bill includes provisions to protect victims, particularly children, by ensuring they are not criminally prosecuted and can seek vacatur of previous adjudications. The bill also updates various cross-references in other sections of Utah law to align with the new prostitution offense chapter, and includes provisions for mandatory HIV testing and notification for individuals convicted of certain prostitution-related offenses. The changes aim to provide a more nuanced and victim-centered approach to addressing prostitution, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0022.html