HB 431 Summary

• Requires juvenile courts to hold delinquency complaints in abeyance for children charged with prostitution or human trafficking offenses, with potential diversion instead of prosecution if certain conditions are met.

• Expands human trafficking law to include victims ages 16-17 under the same protections previously limited to victims under 16, when specific circumstances apply.

• Creates new offense of "engaging in prostitution" (misdemeanor of first degree) prohibiting persons from inducing, enticing, or procuring another to engage in sexual activity for hire.

• Modifies soliciting offenses to clarify penalties: misdemeanor of third degree for adults, felony of fifth degree for 16-17 year olds, and felony of third degree for minors under 16.

• Allows eligible offenders convicted under section 2907.04 to petition courts for termination of sex offender registration duties or reclassification to lower tier status after completing community control sanctions.