Senate Bill 73 proposes significant changes to the legal treatment of individuals under the age of 18 who commit acts of prostitution. Currently, such individuals can be prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for this offense, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The bill seeks to amend this by prohibiting the prosecution or adjudication of minors for acts of prostitution altogether. Additionally, it removes the option for courts to enter consent decrees or deferred prosecution agreements in these cases, even if it is determined that such measures would serve the best interests of the minor and not harm society.

The bill includes specific amendments to various sections of the statutes, notably deleting references to the prosecution of minors under certain conditions and inserting language that explicitly states minors cannot be prosecuted for acts of prostitution. It also modifies the requirements for biological specimen collection and expungement processes related to adjudications for violations of prostitution laws. Overall, the bill aims to shift the focus from punitive measures to a more rehabilitative approach for minors involved in prostitution.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 51.20(13)(cr), 51.20, 165.76(1)(am), 165.76, 938.34(15)(a)1, 938.34, 944.30(1m)(intro.), 944.30, 944.30(2m), 973.015(2m)(intro.), 973.015