HB1517 Summary

• Provides immunity from prosecution for misdemeanor or lesser offenses under Hawaii's prostitution laws for individuals who report criminal activity to law enforcement or serve as witnesses in judicial proceedings.

• Immunity applies when the person provides truthful statements or testimony about a felony committed by another person, and their own prostitution violation is revealed as a result of that cooperation.

• Applies to both buyers and sellers of sexual services who come forward to report crimes, including sex trafficking, to law enforcement.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2019.

• Does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the Act's effective date.