Bill > HB2450

This bill decriminalizes certain prostitution offenses and establishes a new offense of commercial sexual exploitation. The legislation replaces existing prostitution-related statutes with a more nuanced approach that focuses on protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, from sexual exploitation. The bill introduces a comprehensive definition of "commercial sexual exploitation" which includes patronizing a minor for commercial sex, patronizing someone being coerced into sexual acts, promoting commercial sex involving minors or coerced individuals, and operating online platforms that facilitate such activities. The bill establishes different levels of criminal penalties based on the specific circumstances, with more severe penalties for offenses involving minors or involving coercion. Additionally, the bill provides civil remedies for victims and allows for the expungement of prostitution records for individuals who were minors at the time of the offense or were acting under coercion. The legislation aims to shift the legal approach from criminalizing sex workers to targeting those who exploit or traffick individuals, with a particular emphasis on protecting minors and victims of coercion.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2450&year=2026&code=R