WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 647

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public indecency, further providing for prostitution and related offenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 9 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill modifies prostitution and related criminal offenses under public indecency laws, with details pending committee review.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 647

Legislative bill overview

SB 647 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to modify laws governing prostitution and related offenses under the public indecency provisions of Title 18. The bill's specific amendments have not been detailed in publicly available summaries, but it targets how the state legally defines and penalizes prostitution-related conduct.

Why is this important

Prostitution laws have significant consequences for individuals arrested and convicted, affecting employment, housing, and civil rights. Changes to these statutes could alter criminal penalties, expand or narrow definitions of illegal conduct, or adjust enforcement approaches—all of which impact both public safety policy and the lives of affected individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Decriminalization vs. enforcement: The bill may propose reducing penalties or decriminalizing certain conduct, which supporters argue protects vulnerable individuals but opponents may claim undermines public order
  • Sex trafficking concerns: Any modifications must balance reducing harm to consenting adults against strengthening protections against human trafficking and exploitation
  • Definitional clarity: Changes to what constitutes "prostitution" could create ambiguity in enforcement or unintentionally criminalize conduct beyond legislative intent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.