Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Commercial Sexual Activity Decriminalization

This bill would make significant changes to how Rhode Island handles laws related to buying and selling sexual services. Specifically, it would decriminalize certain commercial sexual activity, meaning that people currently subject to criminal penalties under existing law (Rhode Island General Laws § 11-34.1) would no longer face those criminal charges. Instead of being treated as criminals, individuals engaged in these activities would be handled differently under the law.

The bill also strengthens protections against human trafficking by formally classifying it as a "racketeering activity." This means prosecutors would have an additional, powerful legal tool to pursue organized criminal enterprises involved in human trafficking, similar to how law enforcement targets other serious organized crime. This change is intended to make it easier to go after those who exploit and profit from trafficking victims.

Additionally, the bill includes a pathway for people who were previously convicted under the existing commercial sexual activity law to clear those convictions from their records. After one year, eligible individuals could apply for an expungement, which would effectively erase qualifying convictions from their criminal history. This could make it easier for those individuals to find housing, employment, and other opportunities that a criminal record often makes difficult to obtain.

The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review. It would primarily affect individuals currently or previously involved in commercial sexual activity, law enforcement, prosecutors, and anyone with prior convictions under the relevant statute.