Bill > S0810

This bill decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activities by repealing multiple existing statutes related to prostitution and related offenses. Specifically, the bill eliminates criminal penalties for consensual sex work between adults, removes provisions that criminalize solicitation and loitering, and allows for the expungement of certain prostitution-related criminal records after one year. The bill also makes several related legal changes, such as adding human trafficking as a racketeering activity and removing provisions that allowed law enforcement to seize vehicles or enter premises suspected of prostitution. The legislation was informed by a special legislative commission that studied the health and safety implications of laws affecting sex workers, and drew upon research suggesting that criminalization increases risks for sex workers. The bill aims to reduce discrimination, improve health and safety outcomes, and remove legal barriers that disproportionately impact women, transgender individuals, and people of color. Importantly, the bill maintains protections against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly of minors, while shifting away from criminal punishment for consensual adult sex work.

Justice

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