The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to prostitution by introducing a $200 assessment for individuals convicted of certain prostitution offenses, specifically for paying for or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct. This assessment is mandatory and cannot be waived by the court, with funds directed to the Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund. Additionally, the bill enhances the offense of purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony, establishing specific jail time requirements for first, second, and third offenses, and further escalates penalties to a class 4 felony for individuals with three or more prior convictions.

Current law defines prostitution and outlines penalties for engaging in it, but the bill clarifies the definitions and distinctions between engaging in prostitution and paying for sexual conduct. It also modifies the penalties for violations, including mandatory jail time and ineligibility for probation or suspension of sentence. The bill further specifies that the funds collected from the new assessment will be used exclusively for anti-human trafficking programs, thereby strengthening the state's efforts to combat human trafficking.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-116.13, 13-3214, 41-1736