Bill > S06507

This bill amends the New York penal law to expand the definition of sex trafficking of a child to include sex trafficking of a person who is mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated. Specifically, the bill makes it a class B felony when a person who is 21 years or older intentionally advances or profits from prostitution of a child under 18, or intentionally advances or profits from prostitution of a person who is mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated. The bill clarifies that knowledge of the victim's age is not a defense and adds definitions for "advances prostitution" and "profits from prostitution." The terms "mentally disabled" and "mentally incapacitated" are defined by referencing section 130.00 of the penal law, which would provide the precise legal definitions for these terms. This legislation aims to provide additional legal protections for vulnerable populations by explicitly criminalizing sexual exploitation of children, mentally disabled individuals, and mentally incapacitated persons, and treating such offenses as serious felonies. The act will go into effect 90 days after becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6507