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 prohibit 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 amends several sections of the statutes, specifically addressing the provisions related to juvenile justice and the handling of biological specimens for DNA analysis. Notably, it deletes references to prosecuting minors under the existing prostitution laws and introduces new language that explicitly states minors cannot be prosecuted for these offenses. The changes aim to shift the focus from punitive measures to a more rehabilitative approach for minors involved in prostitution, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for supportive interventions rather than criminal penalties for young individuals.

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