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 of serious violent crimes to report such crimes and to participate in the criminal justice system without fear of criminal prosecution for engaging in prostitution or solicitation for prostitution. Section 3 of this bill provides that a prostitute who engages in prostitution or solicitation for prostitution is immune from criminal liability if the prostitute seeks emergency or medical assistance and the evidence for the alleged violation was obtained as a result thereof. 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
Reprint 1: 201.295
BDR: 201.295