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SF2380 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Engaging in prostitution with minors penalties increase

Related bill: HF128

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to increase the penalties for individuals who are involved in the act of prostitution with minors in the state of Minnesota. The bill aims to provide stricter sentencing guidelines for offenses involving the hiring or engaging of minors in prostitution, thereby enhancing protections for minors.

Main Provisions

  • Severe Penalties for Prostitution with Minors Under 14:

    • Individuals who engage in or hire minors under the age of 14 for sexual activities may face imprisonment for up to 30 years and/or a fine of up to $40,000.
    • Attempts or agreements to engage such minors in prostitution carry similar penalties.

  • Penalties for Prostitution with Minors Aged 14 to Less Than 16:

    • Engaging in or hiring minors aged 14 to less than 16 years may result in imprisonment for up to 15 years and/or a fine of up to $30,000.
    • Similar penalties apply for those who reasonably believe the minor is within this age range.

  • Penalties for Prostitution with Minors Aged 16 to Less Than 18:

    • For engaging in or hiring minors aged 16 to less than 18, the penalty includes imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of $20,000.
    • Any attempt or agreement to hire minors within this age range also follows this sentencing guideline.

  • Adjusted Sentences for Hiring Attempts:

    • Persons who hire or attempt to hire minors under 18 years for prostitution, and reasonably believe such individuals are minors, face varying imprisonment terms based on the victim's age, up to a maximum of 30 years in severe cases.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill amends and increases the existing penalties under Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.324, subdivision 1, to impose stricter sentences for offenses involving minors. The focus is on providing enhanced penalties particularly for involving younger minors under 14 years of age.

Relevant Terms

prostitution, minors, sentencing, imprisonment, fines, engage, hire, sexual penetration, sexual contact, penalties, Minnesota Statutes, protections for minors.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on different age brackets and corresponding penalties."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous indistinct penalty guidelines for all minors under 18."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 609.324 to increase the penalties for engaging in prostitution with minors.",
      "modified": [
        "The structure and clarity of penalties based on minor's age is reorganized and specified."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.324"
  }
]

Sponsors