The bill seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding crimes against public morals, particularly focusing on commercial sexual exploitation. It introduces stricter penalties by reclassifying the crime of buying sexual relations from a Class A misdemeanor to a severity level 9 felony, with fines increased to between $2,000 and $5,000. Offenders will be required to complete an educational or treatment program approved by the attorney general, with implementation starting July 1, 2026. The bill also removes provisions related to city ordinances that prohibit the buying of sexual relations and eliminates the consideration of prior convictions for enhancing penalties, thereby streamlining the legal process and emphasizing rehabilitation.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding diversion agreements, allowing individuals to enter such agreements only once in their lifetime for specific violations, and prohibits those who have previously entered into a diversion agreement for similar offenses before July 1, 2025, from doing so again. It ensures that local ordinance penalties align with state law and establishes requirements for diversion agreements, including obligations for defendants. The bill also mandates that fines collected from these offenses be allocated to the human trafficking victim assistance fund, reinforcing the commitment to support victims of exploitation. The changes will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 12-4106, 12-4120, 8-1, 12-4416, 21-5426, 21-6421, 21-6422, 22-2909
As Amended by House Committee: 12-4106, 12-4120, 8-1, 12-4416, 21-5426, 21-6421, 21-6422, 22-2909