Bill Text: HI SB2867 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Prostitution.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-01-24 - Referred to HMS, JDC. [SB2867 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-SB2867-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2867 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to prostitution.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that persons involved in buying or selling sexual services may often be witnesses to crimes or victims of crimes. Their status as potential criminals themselves may be an impediment for them to come forward and report criminal activity in which they have been victimized or in which they can provide material evidence. The decision to prosecute these individuals is currently left to the discretion of the prosecuting authority. The legislature seeks to codify protections for these individuals so they may more readily participate in the justice system.
The legislature further finds that despite growing public concerns about persons who purchase sex, that they are in fact often in the best position to identify and report instances of sex trafficking.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to offer protections to both buyers and sellers of sexual services who report crimes to law enforcement that lead to the investigation of potential felonies.
SECTION 2. Chapter 712, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§712- Prostitution witnesses; immunity. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any person who may otherwise be subject to criminal prosecution for non-felony offenses under sections 712-1200, 712-1206, 712-1207, or 712-1209, who reports criminal activity that leads to an investigation of potential felonies, and in doing so may expose themselves to the offenses listed herein shall have legal immunity from any such prosecution against them. This section shall apply to both buyers and sellers of sexual services."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Prostitution; Witness; Immunity; Prosecution; Felonies
Description:
Offers legal immunity to persons who buy or sell sexual services who report criminal activity that leads to an investigation of potential felonies.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
