Bill > HB679

This bill increases penalties for engaging in prostitution by amending existing Ohio Revised Code sections 2907.231 and 2950.01. Specifically, it raises the penalties for violating division (B) of section 2907.231, which prohibits inducing another to engage in sexual activity for hire, making it a felony of the third degree for repeat offenders and requiring a prison term presumption and classification as a tier I sex offender/child-victim offender for those with two or more prior convictions. For violations involving a person with a developmental disability (division (C) of section 2907.231), penalties are also increased, with repeat offenders facing a felony of the second degree and mandatory classification as a tier I sex offender/child-victim offender. The bill also mandates that offenders attend education or treatment programs and increases the minimum fine for a first offense of division (B) to at least one thousand dollars, with collected fines directed towards services for human trafficking survivors. Additionally, the bill updates the definitions within section 2950.01, which pertains to sex offender registration, to include violations of the amended prostitution laws as sexually oriented offenses that can lead to classification as a tier I sex offender/child-victim offender.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb679