Provides immunity from criminal liability for engaging in prostitution or solicitation for prostitution. (BDR 15-781)
Summary
AB 209 would create a limited immunity from criminal liability for prostitution or solicitation for prostitution in specific circumstances. The bill states that Nevada’s public policy is to encourage victims of serious violent crimes to report those crimes and participate in the criminal justice system without fear of being arrested or prosecuted for sex-work-related offenses. To that end, it provides that a person engaged in prostitution or solicitation is immune from prosecution under existing prostitution statutes if the person seeks medical assistance from 911 or a medical provider and the evidence of the offense was obtained because of that request or the immediate need for medical help.
The bill also incorporates existing statutory definitions for terms such as “prostitute,” “prostitution,” and related concepts into the new immunity provisions. The amendment applies prospectively to offenses committed on or after October 1, 2025. In practical terms, the bill narrows the circumstances under which law enforcement and prosecutors may pursue prostitution-related charges when the underlying evidence arises from a person’s attempt to obtain emergency medical care.
Impact
AB 209 amends Chapter 201 of the Nevada Revised Statutes by adding new sections that create a conditional immunity defense for prostitution and solicitation offenses tied to emergency medical assistance. It affects NRS 201.353 and related prostitution provisions by limiting criminal liability when the evidence is obtained through a 911 call or medical-provider contact made for urgent care. The bill does not repeal prostitution laws, but it carves out a targeted exception intended to reduce deterrence from seeking medical help and to encourage reporting of violent crimes.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received mixed but ultimately favorable legislative support. It passed the Assembly 27-15 and the Senate 14-7, indicating meaningful support in both chambers but also a substantial minority in opposition. The bill text frames the measure as a public-safety and victim-reporting policy, suggesting supporters viewed it as a way to protect vulnerable people and improve access to emergency assistance. The recorded votes show that, while the concept was accepted by a majority, it remained politically divisive.
Contention
The main point of contention is the policy choice to grant immunity from prostitution-related criminal liability in connection with seeking medical assistance. Supporters are likely focused on encouraging victims of violence and people in criminalized sex work to call 911 or seek treatment without fear of arrest, while opponents may view the bill as creating an exception that could weaken enforcement of prostitution laws or be too broad in practice. The tension is between public health and victim-reporting goals on one hand, and traditional criminal enforcement of prostitution offenses on the other.