HB 22-1288 Summary

• Creates immunity from prosecution for prostitution charges under Colorado law when a person seeks assistance from law enforcement, 911, or a medical provider due to being a victim of or witnessing certain violent crimes.

• Applies to three categories: victims of specified violent offenses, victims of human trafficking of minors for sexual servitude, and witnesses to specified violent offenses.

• Protects individuals from charges related to prostitution, soliciting for prostitution, and prostitute display when evidence is obtained as a direct result of seeking or reporting assistance.

• Specifies 23 qualifying violent offenses including murder, assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking that trigger immunity eligibility.

• Clarifies that prostitution immunity does not suppress evidence for other criminal charges and does not prevent prosecution for non-covered offenses or limit law enforcement's ability to obtain evidence for those cases.