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H 4610

An Act to study the decriminalization of sex work

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 6 co-sponsors

H 4610 - An Act to study the decriminalization of sex work OverviewBill Number: H 4610 Title: An Act to study the decriminalization of sex workStatus: Bill reported favorably by c

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4610

H 4610 - An Act to study the decriminalization of sex work

Overview

Bill Number: H 4610
Title: An Act to study the decriminalization of sex work
Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
Introduced: October 20, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to establish a special legislative commission to study the potential decriminalization of sex work in the state. The commission would be tasked with examining the public health, safety, and economic impacts of decriminalization, as well as reviewing best practices from other jurisdictions that have implemented similar policies. The ultimate goal is to provide the legislature with data-driven recommendations on whether to pursue decriminalization as a policy approach.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a 15-member special legislative commission to study the decriminalization of sex work
  • Requires the commission to hold public hearings and solicit input from a range of stakeholders, including sex workers, law enforcement, public health experts, and anti-trafficking advocates
  • Directs the commission to review the experiences of other states and countries that have decriminalized sex work, analyzing impacts on public health, safety, and the economy
  • Mandates the commission to provide a final report with findings and policy recommendations to the legislature within 18 months

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary parties affected by this bill would be:

  • Sex workers, who could potentially see reduced stigma, criminalization, and risks associated with their work
  • Law enforcement, who may need to adjust approaches and priorities related to sex work activities
  • Public health agencies, which could play a larger role in supporting sex workers' wellbeing
  • Anti-trafficking organizations, who may have concerns about the impacts of decriminalization on exploitation

Depending on the commission's findings and the legislature's ultimate policy decisions, decriminalization could have significant social, economic, and public safety implications for the state.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been reported favorably by the relevant legislative committee and has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. If passed by the committee and the full House, it would then move to the Senate for their review and approval process.

The 18-month timeline for the commission to complete its study and provide recommendations means that any potential decriminalization legislation would likely not be considered until the 2027 legislative session at the earliest.

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

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