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MA H1980
Bill
Status
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Lindsay Sabadosa
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AI Summary
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Decriminalizes prostitution for sex workers by repealing laws against "common night walkers/street walkers," soliciting sex for a fee, and inducing someone to have sexual intercourse
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Adds statutory definitions for "commercial sex" and "sex worker" to Massachusetts General Laws
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Maintains criminal penalties for those who profit from prostitutes' earnings (5 years imprisonment, $5,000 fine), but exempts sex workers who share earnings among themselves
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Retains and clarifies human trafficking laws with penalties of 5-20 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 fine for trafficking adults, and life imprisonment for trafficking minors under 18
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Requires automatic expungement of prostitution-related criminal records and allows prisoners serving sentences solely for prostitution offenses to apply for discharge and release within 10 days
Legislative Description
To promote the health and safety of people in the sex trade
Last Action
Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
11/26/2025