Bill > HB507

This bill aims to prohibit individuals from profiting from prostitution by amending existing laws and enacting a new section. Specifically, it modifies the definition of "prostitute" in section 2907.01 to remove the word "promiscuously," and it introduces section 2907.251, which makes it a crime for any person to knowingly receive or acquire money or other valuables earned from prostitution or human trafficking, unless that person is the prostitute themselves receiving their own earnings. This new law defines "sexual activity for hire" and outlines specific actions that constitute profiting from prostitution, such as profiting from, concealing, using to encourage crime, or collecting such money on behalf of a third party. Violating this new section is classified as a felony, with a more severe penalty if the prostitute is under 18 years old. The bill also makes conforming changes to section 2923.31, which deals with organized crime and racketeering, by including the new prostitution proceeds offense within the definition of "corrupt activity." The existing versions of sections 2907.01 and 2923.31 are repealed as part of this legislative update.