The proposed Safe Harbor bill aimed at combating sexual exploitation of children has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature.
The House vote came in the final hours of the spring legislative session Wednesday.
The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown, protects children from being prosecuted for the crime of prostitution. The legislation creates a presumption that children and teens who engage in prostitution are victims of sexual exploitation. It also strengthens the penalties for people convicted of child sex exploitation.
“I really am very proud of the bill because what we are talking about is protecting kids, teens and preteens who are being coerced and forced into prostitution and the sex trade,” Kane said Thursday. “This is an important law to protect these kids.”
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