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 several amendments to existing statutes, specifically targeting sections related to juvenile justice and the handling of biological specimens for DNA analysis. Notably, it deletes references to prosecuting minors under certain sections of the law and inserts language that explicitly states minors cannot be prosecuted for acts of prostitution. This legislative change reflects a shift towards a more rehabilitative approach for minors involved in prostitution, focusing on their protection rather than punishment.

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