Bill > SB427

This bill amends Arkansas state law to enhance penalties and create new provisions related to promoting prostitution. The bill increases the severity of criminal charges for promoting prostitution in the first, second, and third degrees, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. For first-degree promoting prostitution (which includes compelling someone into prostitution or profiting from prostitution involving minors), the penalty is now a Class C felony for a first offense and a Class B felony for subsequent offenses. The bill introduces graduated fine structures, starting at $2,500 for a first offense and increasing to $10,000 for third or subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill creates a new section establishing civil liability for businesses involved in prostitution-related activities, which can result in license suspensions and substantial civil penalties ranging from $5,000 for a first violation to $100,000 for a third violation. All fine payments will be deposited into the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund. The legislation also expands the definition of promoting prostitution to include managing online platforms used for solicitation and introduces more specific language about coercion and intimidation in prostitution offenses.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb427&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R