The bill H.190 proposes significant changes to Vermont's laws regarding prostitution by repealing existing prohibitions against consensual sex work and indiscriminate sexual intercourse among adults. The legislation aims to modernize the legal framework surrounding sex work, which has remained largely unchanged for over a century, and reflects a commitment to personal and bodily autonomy. The bill emphasizes that the criminalization of voluntary sex work has been linked to increased risks of violence, health issues, and disruptions in support networks for sex workers. It seeks to retain strict penalties for human trafficking, ensuring that individuals who are coerced into sex work through force, fraud, or coercion remain protected under the law.

Specifically, the bill includes the repeal of 13 V.S.A. chapter 59, subchapter 2, which pertains to prostitution, thereby eliminating the legal definitions and penalties associated with consensual sex work. The legislation also outlines the existing prohibitions against human trafficking, detailing the various forms of coercion that constitute illegal activities in this context. The intent is to create a safer environment for sex workers while maintaining robust protections against exploitation and trafficking. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-59