The bill amends Section 11-34.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-34.1 entitled "Commercial Sexual Activity" to redefine the offense of prostitution and set the penalties for such conduct. It specifies that a person is guilty of prostitution if they engage, agree, or offer to engage in sexual conduct for a fee, with penalties for a misdemeanor including imprisonment up to six months or a fine between $250 and $1,000, or both. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase to imprisonment up to one year or a fine between $500 and $1,000, or both. The bill also introduces an affirmative defense for those accused of commercial sexual activity if they were forced to commit the act under certain conditions such as threats of physical harm, restraint, abuse of legal process, or intimidation.

Additionally, the bill adds a new section, 11-34.1-15, which provides immunity from citation, arrest, or prosecution for violations related to commercial sexual activity if the person reporting was a victim or witness of a crime, sought health care services as a result of the crime, or assisted in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This immunity applies even if the person withdraws their cooperation later due to safety concerns or other reasons, and it does not require that the reported crime be prosecuted or result in a conviction. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement officers are not immune from civil liability for citing or arresting a person who qualifies for protection under this section. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6140: 11-34.1-2