The bill S.54, introduced by Senators Vyhovsky, Gulick, Harrison, Hart, and White, aims to reform Vermont's prostitution laws by repealing existing prohibitions against consensual sex work and indiscriminate sexual intercourse among adults. The legislation recognizes that current laws, which have remained largely unchanged for over a century, do not reflect modern values of personal autonomy and have been shown to increase risks for sex workers, including violence and health issues. The bill emphasizes the need for reform based on extensive research indicating that criminalization of voluntary sex work is harmful and calls for the retention of strict penalties for human trafficking, particularly for individuals coerced into sex work.

Specifically, the bill proposes the repeal of 13 V.S.A. chapter 59, subchapter 2, which pertains to prostitution, while maintaining severe penalties for human trafficking offenses. The intent is to create a legal environment that protects the rights and safety of sex workers while continuing to combat exploitation and trafficking. The act is set to take effect upon passage, signaling a significant shift in Vermont's approach to sex work legislation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-59