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Senate passes measure adding crimes tied to prostitution while protecting trafficking victims; requires annual law‑enforcement reports
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 62 on March 3, adopting an amendment that requires law enforcement to report to the Joint Judiciary Committee annually about use and effectiveness of the new criminal provisions.
The Wyoming Senate on March 3 passed House Bill 62, which adds crimes and penalties related to prostitution and massage-parlor activity and includes a safe-harbor provision intended to protect trafficking victims. The bill passed by roll call, 17–14, after the Senate adopted an amendment requiring law enforcement to report to the Joint Judiciary Committee starting Nov. 1 and annually thereafter.
Why it matters: The bill creates additional criminal offenses tied to prostitution-related activity and seeks to give law enforcement tools to investigate establishments the sponsors described as conduits for trafficking. Supporters said it provides investigatory tools while exempting trafficking victims from criminal liability; opponents said it risks criminalizing vulnerable people.
Floor debate and votes: The measure drew extended floor debate. Supporters, including Senator Steinmetz and others, said the bill gives law enforcement another tool to address illicit massage parlors and helps protect victims via safe-harbor provisions. Senator Steinmetz said the safe-harbor provision is "critical" and that law enforcement and victim advocates support the measure.
Opponents, including Senator Ralphs and Senator Nethercott, said the bill risks prosecuting victims rather than traffickers and questioned whether the new crimes would aid prosecutions of traffickers as intended. Senator Ralphs said existing anti‑trafficking laws passed earlier were the appropriate response and warned this bill could punish victims. Senator Nethercott said the bill could compel vulnerable women to cooperate by threatening criminal charges.
Amendment and reporting: The Senate adopted third‑reading amendment number 1 to require the attorney general's office or relevant law enforcement agencies to report to the Joint Judiciary Committee on Nov. 1 and annually thereafter on enforcement of the new crimes and the bill27s efficacy. The amendment sponsor said the report will let the Legislature evaluate whether the law is operating as intended.
Outcome: The Senate passed House Bill 62 on third reading, 17–14. The bill now proceeds to enrollment and further processing.
