The bill proposes amendments to Section 11-34.1-2 of the General Laws, redefining the crime of prostitution and establishing penalties, which include fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months for a first offense, and similar penalties for subsequent offenses. It introduces an affirmative defense for individuals forced into commercial sexual activity under certain conditions, such as threats of harm or legal coercion. The bill also adds a new section, 11-34.1-15, which grants immunity from citation, arrest, or prosecution for prostitution-related offenses to those who report certain crimes in good faith, seek health care services as a result of such crimes, or assist in investigations or prosecutions, even if they later withdraw cooperation.

Furthermore, the bill amends laws related to the licensure of massage therapists and the regulation of body-works businesses, including the requirement for a national criminal background check for applicants. It specifies "disqualifying information" for licensure and allows local regulation of body-works businesses, with the stipulation that additional qualifications for background checks cannot be imposed beyond state health department standards. The bill also provides a comprehensive list of reportable offenses for which immunity is granted, clarifying that law enforcement officers are not immune if they cite or arrest a person who qualifies for protection under this section. The act would become effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7307: 11-34.1-2, 23-20.8-3