House Bill 26-024

This bill legalizes consensual prostitution between adults eighteen years of age and older within the State of San Andreas and establishes a regulatory framework governing lawful commercial sexual activity. The legislation repeals the existing criminal offense of prostitution while preserving criminal penalties for prostitution involving minors, human trafficking, coercion, force, and other forms of exploitation.

Under the bill, consensual commercial sexual activity between adults is lawful when conducted in compliance with applicable state and local regulations. The legislation authorizes counties and municipalities to establish licensing systems regulating business operations, health and safety standards, zoning requirements, workplace protections, and designated adult commercial zones. Licensed establishments must implement anti-trafficking policies, verify the age of workers and customers, maintain workplace safety measures, and provide workers with written notice of their rights. Independent sex workers are not subject to criminal penalties solely for failing to obtain a business license where licensing requirements primarily apply to commercial establishments.

The bill prohibits prostitution and the operation of commercial sexual establishments near schools between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., while permitting such activity during evening and overnight hours. Local governments may adopt more restrictive operating hours but may not prohibit otherwise lawful activity authorized by the Act.

The legislation automatically seals eligible arrests, charges, citations, and convictions for consensual adult prostitution that would no longer constitute a criminal offense while preserving criminal records involving minors, trafficking, coercion, or exploitation. It further provides civil protections for lawful participants, establishes confidentiality requirements for licensing records, and directs the Department of Public Safety to develop statewide law enforcement training distinguishing lawful consensual prostitution from human trafficking and other criminal offenses.