Penalties for violating Code Sections 16-6-9 through 16-6-12; certain penalty provisions for the offense of prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering; repeal
Summary
SB 42 amends Georgia Code Section 16-6-13, which sets penalties for violations of the state’s prostitution-related offenses. The bill repeals and reserves subsection (b) of that section, thereby removing certain penalty provisions tied to offenses under Code Sections 16-6-9 through 16-6-12, including prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering.
In practical terms, the bill changes the penalty framework in state law for these offenses by deleting the specified subsection rather than rewriting it. The act takes effect upon gubernatorial approval or when it otherwise becomes law, and it repeals any conflicting laws. The underlying criminal offenses remain in place, but the bill alters how penalties are codified for those offenses.
Impact
SB 42 directly affects Georgia’s criminal code by amending the penalty statute for prostitution-related crimes. By repealing subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. § 16-6-13, it removes certain penalty language applicable to prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering, which may require courts and prosecutors to rely on the remaining statutory provisions and any other applicable penalty sections. The bill does not decriminalize the listed conduct, but it changes the statutory penalty structure and may create a need to reconcile related sentencing or enforcement provisions.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial in the recorded votes. It passed the Senate unanimously 50-0 and the House unanimously 169-0, suggesting strong bipartisan agreement or at least no recorded opposition. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no evidence in the record of significant debate or organized opposition.
Contention
No notable contention is reflected in the available materials. The only identifiable issue is the legal effect of repealing a penalty subsection for prostitution-related offenses, which could raise questions about how penalties are applied after the amendment and whether other related provisions remain sufficient. However, the unanimous votes indicate that any such concerns did not translate into recorded opposition in either chamber.
To Amend Promoting Prostitution Offenses; To Enhance The Penalties For Promoting Prostitution In The First, Second, And Third Degree; And To Create The Offense Of Promoting Prostitution At A Business.