Bill > HB1787

This bill amends Tennessee law to increase penalties for patronizing prostitution, which means soliciting or hiring someone for sexual activity for payment. Specifically, it elevates the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony in certain serious situations, such as when the person being solicited is a law enforcement officer posing as a minor, has an intellectual disability, or is under 18 years old. Patronizing prostitution involving a law enforcement officer or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor remains a Class A misdemeanor, but patronizing someone with an intellectual disability or someone under 18 years old will now be a Class B or Class A felony, respectively. Additionally, if the act occurs within 1.5 miles of a school, there will be a mandatory minimum of seven days in jail and a $1,000 fine, on top of any other penalties. The bill also clarifies that these changes do not prevent prosecution under other existing laws related to trafficking or exploitation.