This bill amends Section 18-5614 of the Idaho Code to reclassify the offense of soliciting commercial sexual activity from a misdemeanor to a felony. The new legal language specifies that a person is guilty of this offense if they pay, offer to pay, or agree to pay another person for sexual contact, or if they offer or agree to provide a third person for sexual contact in exchange for a fee.

Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions that allowed for a misdemeanor charge with specific sentencing guidelines, including a minimum jail time of five days and potential fines. Instead, all instances of soliciting commercial sexual activity will now be treated as felonies, which carry more severe penalties. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 18-5614