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HD 2929

An Act to promote the health and safety of people in the sex trade

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill decriminalizes sex work to improve safety and health access for workers while maintaining trafficking prohibitions.

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Bill Summary · HD 2929

Legislative bill overview

HD 2929 proposes to decriminalize aspects of sex work in Massachusetts by removing criminal penalties for individuals engaged in sex trade activities, while maintaining laws against trafficking and exploitation. The bill aims to shift the legal framework from criminalization toward public health and safety approaches, allowing sex workers to report crimes and access services without fear of prosecution.

Why is this important

Decriminalization affects roughly 1,000-5,000 estimated sex workers in Massachusetts and has significant public health implications. When sex work is criminalized, workers avoid reporting violence, seeking medical care, or cooperating with law enforcement, leading to increased vulnerability to trafficking, assault, and disease. This policy could reshape how Massachusetts addresses exploitation and worker safety compared to current laws.

Potential points of contention

  • Trafficking concerns: Critics argue decriminalization may facilitate human trafficking networks or make enforcement more difficult, though evidence from places like New Zealand shows mixed results
  • Community impact: Concerns about increased street-level activity, safety in residential neighborhoods, and local business district effects
  • Buyer/seller dynamics: Disagreement over whether decriminalizing only sex workers (Nordic model) versus full legalization best prevents exploitation and supports victims
  • Definitions and scope: Questions about which activities are covered, how "sex trade" is defined, and treatment of related industries like escort services
  • Implementation: Unclear how law enforcement, health departments, and social services would coordinate under new framework

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

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