A proposed law to make it a felony to lure or force anyone under 18 into prostitution awaits only the governor's signature after the House passed the bill unanimously Wednesday. The bill increases the fine and the prison sentence.
Current law makes selling children for sex only a misdemeanor.
Current law protects only minors 16 and under, but the bill passed Wednesday raises the age to 17. The House is also considering a separate bill to allow a district attorney to seize any property, such as a car or house, used in the pimping of a child. Like most drug crimes, the district attorney would not need a conviction to seize the property. All rights reserved. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement .