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Senator introduces bill to decriminalize consensual adult sex work, citing public‑health and safety arguments
Summary
Senator Vahulski introduced S.54 to decriminalize consensual adult sex work, saying the change would protect sex workers, help trafficking victims report crimes and allow law enforcement to focus on exploitation. Committee members asked for charging data and noted comparisons with Rhode Island and New Zealand.
Senator Vahulski introduced S.54 on Feb. 21, a bill that would decriminalize consensual adult sex work while keeping human‑trafficking laws intact, she told the Judiciary Committee.
"This bill does not legalize sex work. It decriminalizes it," Senator Vahulski said, characterizing the measure as similar in approach to earlier cannabis decriminalization efforts.
Vahulski told the committee that current statutes date back more than a century and include vague terms that sweep in conduct beyond paid transactions. She said criminalization creates stigma and can deter…
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