Existing law requires a peace officer who detains, arrests or issues a citation to a prostitute for a violation of the prohibition against unlawfully engaging in prostitution or solicitation for prostitution to provide information relating to certain assistance for which the prostitute might be eligible. Existing law also requires a prosecuting attorney to dismiss the charge against a prostitute for such a violation if the prosecuting attorney has reason to believe that the prostitute is a victim of sex trafficking. (NRS 201.353) Section 2 of this bill declares that it is the public policy of this State to encourage the ability of victims and witnesses of serious violent crimes to report and participate in the criminal justice system without fear of criminal prosecution for engaging in prostitution or committing certain acts while engaged in prostitution. Section 3 of this bill provides that a person who violates certain provisions of existing law relating to prostitution, controlled substances or certain acts relating to vagrancy is immune from criminal liability if, during the course of allegedly engaging in prostitution, the person: (1) is a victim or witness to certain serious violent offenses; and (2) seeks certain assistance. Section 4 of this bill applies the definitions in existing law relating to prostitution to sections 2 and 3.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 201.295
BDR: 201.295