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RI H8057
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Edith Ajello
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AI Summary
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Repeals 13 sections of Rhode Island's "Commercial Sexual Activity" chapter, decriminalizing prostitution, solicitation, loitering for prostitution, pandering, and related offenses between consenting adults
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Allows expungement at no cost of prior convictions under §§ 11-34.1-2, 11-34.1-3, 11-34.1-4, 11-34.1-6, or 11-34-11 one year after sentence completion
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Adds human trafficking to the definition of "racketeering activity" under Rhode Island's RICO statute, replacing prostitution in that definition
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Removes prostitution-related references from nuisance laws, spousal witness exceptions, and police entry authority statutes while maintaining provisions for illegal gaming and disorderly conduct
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Follows recommendations from a 2023 Special Legislative Study Commission report that cited health and safety research supporting decriminalization, including reference to New Zealand's 2003 model
Legislative Description
Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.
Criminal Offenses
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/27/2026