This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding prostitution and human trafficking in Arizona. It introduces a new assessment of $200 for individuals convicted of paying or agreeing 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 where first-time offenders face a class 6 felony, escalating to a class 4 felony for repeat offenders. Additionally, it mandates minimum jail sentences for these offenses, prohibits probation until the full sentence is served, and requires education or treatment programs for repeat offenders.

Furthermore, the bill enhances protections for victims of sex trafficking by allowing them to vacate their prostitution convictions and seal their records, ensuring that these sealed records cannot be used against them in future legal matters. It also specifies that funds collected from the new assessment must be exclusively used for services aiding victims of sex trafficking. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal repercussions for those engaging in prostitution while providing support and resources for victims of human trafficking.

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
Chaptered 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