Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes legal immunity for sex workers who are victims of or witnesses to a crime and report such crime or assist in the investigation or prosecution in New York.

Highlights:

• Authorizes and grants limited immunity from Section 230.00 or 230.30 of the penal law regarding prostitution-related offenses for individuals who are victims or witnesses of a crime and report it in good faith, seek medical care, or assist in the investigation or prosecution of the crime (Sec. 1, § 230.45(1)).

• Authorizes immunity only if the act of prostitution occurred at or near the time of the crime or in a circumstance where it is reasonably related (Sec. 1, § 230.45(1)).

• Authorizes individuals who believe they qualify for this immunity to request a court hearing within 15 days of being charged. If the court finds that conditions for immunity are met, the charges will be dismissed (Sec. 1, § 230.45(2)).

• Establishes effectiveness 60 days after becoming law and applies to any pending prosecution-related cases on or after that date (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes legal immunity for sex workers who are victims of or witnesses to a crime and report such crime or assist in the investigation or prosecution in New York.

Highlights:

• Authorizes and grants limited immunity from Section 230.00 or 230.30 of the penal law regarding prostitution-related offenses for individuals who are victims or witnesses of a crime and report it in good faith, seek medical care, or assist in the investigation or prosecution of the crime (Sec. 1, § 230.45(1)).

• Authorizes immunity only if the act of prostitution occurred at or near the time of the crime or in a circumstance where it is reasonably related (Sec. 1, § 230.45(1)).

• Authorizes individuals who believe they qualify for this immunity to request a court hearing within 15 days of being charged. If the court finds that conditions for immunity are met, the charges will be dismissed (Sec. 1, § 230.45(2)).

• Establishes effectiveness 60 days after becoming law and applies to any pending prosecution-related cases on or after that date (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text