RI S2399

Repeals 13 sections of Rhode Island's "Commercial Sexual Activity" chapter, eliminating criminal penalties for prostitution, soliciting prostitution, loitering for prostitution, and related offenses between consenting adults

Allows persons convicted under the repealed prostitution statutes (§§ 11-34.1-2, 11-34.1-3, 11-34.1-4, 11-34.1-6) to petition for expungement at no cost one year after completing their sentence

Adds human trafficking to the definition of "racketeering activity" under Rhode Island's RICO statute, replacing prostitution in that definition

Removes prostitution-related references from nuisance laws, police entry authority statutes, and the definition of "abused or neglected child," while retaining human trafficking protections for minors

Implements recommendations from a 2023 Special Legislative Study Commission that met seven times between November 2021 and April 2023, citing the New Zealand decriminalization model and research linking criminalization to increased health risks for sex workers