This bill focuses on addressing crimes against public morals, particularly commercial sexual exploitation. It requires certain offenders to complete an educational or treatment program approved by the attorney general, in consultation with the office of judicial administration, by July 1, 2026. The legislation removes existing provisions that allow city ordinances to prohibit the purchase of sexual relations and increases penalties for such offenses, with fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Notably, the bill eliminates the consideration of prior convictions when enhancing penalties for buying sexual relations and mandates that half of the fines collected be allocated to the human trafficking victim assistance fund.

Additionally, the bill amends laws regarding diversion agreements, stipulating that individuals may only enter into such agreements for violations of the relevant section once in their lifetime, and they cannot do so if they have previously entered into a diversion agreement for a similar ordinance prior to July 1, 2025. While cities and counties retain the authority to enact their own ordinances, the penalties must align with state law. The legislation also introduces new provisions for educational or treatment programs, differentiating between agreements made before and after the specified date, and repeals several existing statutes to streamline the legal framework surrounding these offenses. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and provide structured rehabilitation options for offenders.

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