Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.
Summary
S0904 amends Rhode Island’s commercial sexual activity laws to create a new “commercial sex buyer’s accountability program” for people convicted under existing prostitution-related offenses. The bill requires courts to order eligible offenders to attend an instructional program focused on prostitution, human trafficking schemes, health risks, legal consequences, and the harms suffered by victims. It also imposes a mandatory $1,000 fee on persons found guilty, who plead nolo contendere, or who are convicted under the covered sections.
The bill also revises penalties for procuring sexual conduct for a fee and for soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes. It preserves misdemeanor treatment for first offenses, increases or clarifies penalties for repeat offenses, and allows forfeiture of a motor vehicle in certain second or subsequent motor-vehicle solicitation cases, with forfeiture proceeds directed to the victims of crimes indemnity fund. Revenue from the new mandatory fee is split among the crime victim compensation fund, program providers, and the arresting law enforcement agency.
Impact
This act would amend §§ 11-34.1-3 and 11-34.1-6 of the Rhode Island General Laws and add a new § 11-34.1-15 establishing the accountability program. It changes sentencing consequences for prostitution-related offenses by adding mandatory education and a mandatory assessment, while also redirecting fee revenue into the crime victim compensation fund and related recipients. The bill affects courts, local governments or nonprofit providers that may operate approved programs, law enforcement agencies that receive a portion of the fee, and individuals convicted of the covered offenses.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support in the chamber, passing the Senate on June 12, 2025 by a vote of 33-3. The available record does not include committee testimony or floor debate, but the strong vote suggests general agreement with the bill’s approach of combining punishment, education, and victim-related funding. The overall tone of the legislation is punitive toward buyers of commercial sex while also emphasizing trafficking awareness and victim harm.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern the bill’s mandatory fee, the required educational program, and the expanded penalties for repeat offenses, including possible vehicle forfeiture. Critics may view the measure as increasing criminal penalties and financial burdens, while supporters likely see it as a deterrent and a public-safety response to prostitution and human trafficking. Another possible issue is implementation: the bill requires approved programs to be established and administered by local governments, nonprofits, or the state, which could raise questions about availability, oversight, and geographic access.