The proposed bill would amend existing statutes related to prostitution and human trafficking in Arizona. It introduces a new assessment of $200 for individuals convicted of paying, agreeing, or offering to pay for sexual conduct, which is to be deposited into the Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund. The bill modifies the definition of prostitution to include knowingly offering or receiving payment for sexual conduct, and establishes a tiered penalty system for violations, ranging from a class 1 misdemeanor for first-time offenders to a class 4 felony for those with multiple convictions. Additionally, it mandates minimum jail sentences for offenders based on the number of violations.

Furthermore, the bill outlines provisions for sealing records of individuals who are victims of sex trafficking and have their prostitution convictions vacated. It specifies that these sealed records cannot be used in future legal proceedings or as prior convictions. The bill also clarifies that the funds collected from the new assessment must be exclusively used for services to victims of sex trafficking, ensuring that the financial resources are directed towards combating human trafficking in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-116.13, 13-3214, 41-1736
House Engrossed Version: 12-116.13, 13-909, 13-911, 13-3214, 41-1736, 13-1307, 13-3212, 13-703, 13-707, 28-1381, 28-1382, 13-1506, 13-1507, 13-1508, 13-1802, 13-1819, 13-3623, 13-1204, 5-395.01, 5-396, 5-397, 13-1814, 28-1383, 28-8282, 28-8284, 28-8286, 28-8287, 28-8288, 13-3707, 8-501, 12-558.03, 13-4414, 13-105, 13-705, 13-706, 41-1758.03, 41-1758.07, 41-619.55, 13-719