H.F. 2964 Summary

• Requires predatory offender registration for persons convicted of soliciting a prostitute under Minnesota Statutes section 609.324, subdivision 3, effective August 1, 2018.

• Elevates soliciting a prostitute from a misdemeanor to a felony for first-time offenders, and increases penalties for repeat offenders within two years to a gross misdemeanor with minimum $1,500 fine and 20 hours community service.

• Establishes mandatory penalty assessments of $500-$750 for misdemeanor prostitution violations and $750-$1,000 for felony violations, with revenue distributed to law enforcement, prosecutors, and crime victims services for sexually exploited youth.

• Creates optional pretrial diversion programs for prostitution patrons allowing prosecutors to dismiss charges upon successful completion of requirements including restitution, restorative justice participation, and penalty payments.

• Increases penalties for soliciting prostitution in school or park zones by three years for felonies and upgrades gross misdemeanors to felonies with up to two-year imprisonment or $4,000 fine.