This bill makes several amendments to the General Laws regarding commercial sexual activity. It adds new legal language to various sections, including provisions for an affirmative defense for individuals forced into commercial sexual activity and protections for witnesses and victims who report certain offenses to law enforcement. The bill also specifies the offenses covered under this chapter, such as assault, fraud, kidnapping, and child pornography.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the arrest, citation, or prosecution of individuals engaged in commercial sexual activity or practicing massage without a license if they were a witness or victim of certain criminal offenses and reported them to law enforcement in good faith and in a timely manner. The bill also requires individuals applying for a massage therapy license to undergo a national criminal background check and establishes continuing education requirements for massage therapists. While cities and towns are allowed to regulate body-works businesses, they are prohibited from imposing additional qualifications beyond those set by the Department of Health. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6064: 23-20.8-3