Adams County board signals opposition to state bill to decriminalize commercial sexual activity

Commissioners on the Adams County Board directed staff to register an opposition position on a proposed state measure that would decriminalize commercial sexual activity and preempt local regulations. Staff described Senate Bill 97 as repealing multiple prostitution‑related offenses and replacing the term with “commercial sexual activity,” while retaining criminal penalties for pandering that involves menacing or intimidation. The bill has drawn support from civil‑liberties and labor groups and opposition from county-level law‑enforcement leaders and prosecutors, staff said.

Why it matters: County leaders said the bill could shift enforcement responsibilities into unincorporated areas and raise public‑safety, human‑trafficking and land‑use concerns, pointing to the need for local input from the sheriff, district attorney and victim advocates. Several commissioners said the measure merited a thoughtful, coordinated response rather than a hasty vote.

What happened: After a round of questions about whether the bill establishes a regulatory framework similar to cannabis licensing, staff said it does not set an extensive regulatory scheme and the measure had not yet been calendared. Commissioner Odicio moved that the county oppose the bill; other commissioners said they were leaning toward opposition or opposed unless amended and urged staff to coordinate with law‑enforcement associations and victim‑advocacy partners on next steps.

What’s next: Staff will track the bill’s calendar and follow up with meetings with law‑enforcement and human‑services partners. The board asked staff to prepare briefing materials and to consult the sheriff and DA about on‑the‑ground public‑safety impacts and potential amendments. The county’s formal position will be announced after those follow‑ups.