DSW Staff Testify on Multiple RI Bills

Multiple sex work-related bills have been heard in Rhode Island recently. Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) staff testified before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees in favor of all of the bills which propose laws that would increase the health, safety, and rights of sex workers in Rhode Island. 

Following its hearing, S296, which would remove fines assessed only to people convicted for commercial sexual activity passed the Senate Judiciary Committee!

The following bills were held for further study:

* S278/H5358 would grant immunity from prosecution for prostitution to sex workers and survivors of trafficking who are victims or witnesses of a crime.

* H5357 would remove fines assessed only to people convicted for commercial sexual activity.

* S269/H5348 modernizes Rhode Island’s HIV testing protocols for individuals convicted under commercial sexual activity laws.

* S810 would decriminalize consensual adult sex work.

* S299 would prohibit law enforcement from engaging in sexual contact with a person in their custody.