HB 2272 Summary

• Changes solicitation of a minor for prostitution from a Class C felony to a Class B felony and expands the definition to include any type of consideration (not just monetary fees), covering "survival sex" scenarios involving basic necessities.

• Creates new offense of "promoting the prostitution of a minor" (Section 712-A) as a Class B felony for parents, guardians, or custodians who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly offer or agree to consideration for another person to engage in sexual conduct with their minor child.

• Creates new offense of "solicitation of another for prostitution of a minor" (Section 712-B) as a Class B felony for persons who agree to pay consideration for sexual conduct with a minor from a third party or from a law enforcement officer posing as such a provider.

• Clarifies that offenders are strictly liable regarding whether the person solicited is a law enforcement officer representing themselves as a minor or provider, eliminating the state of mind requirement for this attendant circumstance.

• Expands electronic enticement statutes (Sections 707-756 and 707-757) to include communications with persons representing themselves as having custody or control of a minor, including parents or guardians.

• Makes violations of the new prostitution offenses (Sections 712-A and 712-B) "covered offenses" for sexual offense registry purposes under Section 846E-1.

• Effective date: July 1, 2050.