Increases the penalties for prostitution, patronizing a prostitute, and permitting prostitution; provides for mandatory imprisonment therefor in certain cases

5 Co-sponsors

• Craig M. Johnson
• Jeffrey D. Klein
• John L. Sampson
• William T. Stachowski
• Toby Ann Stavisky

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law, the vehicle and traffic law, the public health law, the real property actions and proceedings law, and the real property law, in relation to penalties for certain prostitution offenses

Purpose or general idea of bill

Increases the penalties for prostitution, patronizing a prostitute, and permitting prostitution; provides for mandatory imprisonment therefor in certain cases.

Justification

This legislation seeks to curtail the activities of prostitutes, as well as those who patronize, promote or permit prostitution, by increasing the penalties for such offenses. It also, increases the length of time that a person shall be sentenced for these offenses and incremental increases for each repeat offense.

This bill also calls for mandatory drug and/or alcohol treatment as a condition of probation where a person is known to have a problem.

These offenses which have a negative influence on the "quality of life" in our neighborhoods must be dealt with sternly. The overwhelming majority of those arrested for such crimes are repeat offenders, even though most people involved in prostitution aren't involved because they want to, whether their involvement stems from intimidation or substance abuse these people need help. The current punishments are not working - we must give these individuals the help and support they need to break this vicious cycle - this legislation should aid in the deterrent of such activity and allow these individuals to change and lead more productive lives.

Fiscal implication

None.

Legislative history

1996-2008 Referred to Codes

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first day of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.